Ichiro Suzuki Will Have the New York Yankees Running on All Cylinders
July 23, 2012 · Griffin Kurzius · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Since the injury to left fielder Brett Gardner in April, the Yankees lost a key element of their offense—the running game. But like we have seen time and again, GM Brian Cashman makes another keen move to improve the Yankees for the postseason.
According to the YES Network’s Jack Curry, future Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki has been traded to the New York Yankees, while two minor league RHPs DJ Mitchell and Danny Fahrquar are going to the Seattle Mariners.
The 38-year-old Suzuki, who has compiled over 2500 career hits in the MLB, will unleash the offense and defense to new levels.
Without a speedy outfielder this season, the Yankees have become too reliant on the home run. They lead the league in the rate of runs scored by home runs, with an average over 50%—over 15% higher than the league average.
The addition will allow the Yankees to play more small ball. In October, it is much more difficult to depend on the home run compared to the dog days of summer.
Also Suzuki, who is batting .261, has underperformed this season, will jump start a stagnant running game, which ranks 24th in the MLB with 50 stolen bases.
Although he won’t steal over 50 bases like he once did, this season he has 15 SB and has only been caught twice.
He should wreak havoc for opposing pitchers on the base paths. The top of the lineup with Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson will see many more good pitches and have many more runners on base.
He also will provide depth to the corner outfield spots full of home run hitters, with Andruw Jones, Raul Ibanez and Nick Swisher.
And don’t forget, Ichiro Suzuki is a ten time Gold Glover who will bolster a mediocre defensive outfield.
The Yankees also expect a revitalized Suzuki because he will enter a playoff race for the first time in several years.
Expect to see him an a Yankees uniform tonight in Seattle. He will get quite an applause for an unbelievable career in the Emerald City.
Read more New York Yankees news on BleacherReport.com
Yankee Tickets
Shop Yankee
