Ichiro

There has been much talk since the all-star game about Ichiro's supposed $100 million dollar contract. Is he worth $20 mil? I said yes, even before the official announcement came out stating that it was worth only $90 mil over five years. Is there really much a difference between $100 and $90 million? Not too much, just $2 million per season, but in the minds of many people it is a huge difference. He no longer is a $20 million per season guy, but rather $18 mil per season. This is a huge coup for the Mariners, as this is not strictly a baseball deal. Ichiro is one of the classiest athletes in the majors, is very respectful and represents the team and community very well on a daily basis. He is a veteran, and other then reports of his disagreements with Mike Hargrove, has never had any issues in the clubhouse. Add in the fact that Ichiro fills the seats at home AND away, sells merchandise, and draws in an inordinate amount of money for the club, and one could see his contract being paid off easily with the money he brings in. As sports these days have become more then just teams, but also businesses, both aspects must be looked at in any deal. This deal makes sense in baseball terms, but even more so on the business side. Let's also not forget that Ichiro will enter Cooperstown with a MARINERS hat on. I think $90 for a future hall of famer and marketable player is a steal, especially seeing that Rashard Lewis could get $126 from the Magic (You can't even believe how happy I am that we didn't give him that. That might be the worst sports contract in history). AND for the naysayers that spout off with things like "Ichiro is a singles hitter, you gave $90mil for a singles hitter!" or "his game is based on speed and he's only gonna get slower", I say you need to watch Ich hit BP. Now I know ANY major leaguer can go deep in BP, but Ich puts on a show. I believe as he gets older and slower he will hit for more power as his role changes from table setter to a more run driving in role. Ichiro keeps himself in world class shape and is the consummate professional, so I see nothing but good coming from this. And c'mon, we got him for ONLY $10 mil more per then Jeff Weaver, and a good $7-8 (could be 11-12 soon) less per then A-Fraud. Money Well Spent.

• In case anyone missed it, Florida Marlins President David Samson went on the Dan Lebatard show and had this to say about Ichiro's new deal:

“I would say its the end of the world as we know it. If Ichiro is worth 20 million a year I am speechless by that contract. I am hoping that report is false. Ichiro who has led his team to nothing, I hope your wrong Dan. It’s unbelievable"

To which Mariner's GM Bill Bavasi said:

“My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is, ‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all,” Bavasi said Thursday. “So I’m not going to say anything at all. Is my mother the greatest or what?”

For once our GM showed someone up! Bout time. Also, Memo to Miguel Cabrera. Start looking for real estate somewhere other then Florida because the Marlins are not gonna come CLOSE to giving him the money he wants. I'm guessing that Samson fashions himself to be somewhat of an expert since he has won a world series, but I hardly think building a winner then dismantling it as fast as possible to save money is the way to go, as evidenced by the fact that his teams draws a couple thousand fans and the Mariners draw in the 20-30 thousand range consistently and toss in a few 47,000+ sellouts. The Marlins are happy to feild a minimum wage team and collect the shared baseball revenues, and should keep their mouths shut. as M's GM Chuck Armstrong pointed out, "I can think of about 12 to 15 other contracts that I would qualify as beyond the pale." I would tell Samson to shut his trap, but really does anyone even pay attention to him?