Trade Ichiro Suzuki quietly lobbying his former club to complete a reality on Monday, bringing an era to an abrupt end on the icon overcast afternoon at Safeco Field.
Within hours, Ichiro has introduced her new Yankees teammates, trying to uniform No. 31 for the size and sits in eighth place in the batting order, both fresh beginning and an emotional goodbye to the Emerald City fan favorite.
"I'll have a team of [some of] the most losses to teams with the most wins, so it is difficult to maintain my joy in that," Ichiro said through an interpreter.
Ichiro voice shook as he spoke of the support he has received since joining the Mariners in 2001, said he was "overcome with grief" ever thought of wearing a Seattle uniform again.
But Ichiro said he no longer recognized club match in a young and rebuilding Mariners, the Yankees agreed to a trade because he believes it offers him a good chance to win a World Series title.
"I think he'll fit in great," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "He made the decision to move. Because he's on board with it, I think he's excited about it I do not think this would be a huge adjustment for him .."
The pieces of the deal came together so quickly, Girardi had planned to collect the regular lineup before the team brass telling him to wait. As Ichiro stepped up to the first in-bats as a Yankee, he bowed and doffed the helmet before lining a single to center field from Kevin Millwood.
Yankees right-handers sent D.J. Mitchell and Danny Farquhar to Seattle to complete the deal, and will assume only $ 2.5 million contract Ichiro until he is eligible for free agency next year. Yankees designated outfielder Dewayne Wise for assignment to make room for Ichiro.
"This is something of a surprise," said Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. "It's an opportunity I could not wait to see how it plays out for us. Because I think he can really help us. I hope to see whether it happens or not."
While performance has dipped Ichiro at the age of 38 and he is no longer an impact player who recorded 2533 hits in Seattle, the Yankees hope he can step in and be a complementary part to replace injured Brett Gardner, who has not played since April 17 and out for season .
"I enjoy playing against him for 11 1/2 years; he's someone who I always admired from afar," Yankees captain Derek Jeter said. "I have had the opportunity to play with a lot of great players over the years I can not wait to play with him .."
Ichiro is playing right field for now, as a Yankee Nick Swisher hoping to get back from left hip flexor strain when they returned to the Bronx on Friday. Ichiro said he did not have much experience in left field, but the thought does not bring fond memories.
"I do not play remaining for a long time, to be honest with you, but last time I played was left was the playoff game - my first playoff game at Yankee Stadium [in 2001], so the position is very impressive to me for that reason, "he said.
Cashman said that the trade winds are formed early in the conversation between the Mariners president Chuck Armstrong and Yankees president Randy Levine. Cashman and his Mariners, Jack Zduriencik, agreed to a deal late Monday.
"This is a conversation that stands out above the general manager," Cashman said. "Randy asked me, 'you have an interest in Ichiro There may be something that could make sense.?" From there we go. "
When he was welcomed into the clubhouse, Ichiro shake hands and exchange pleasantries with CC Sabathia and Phil Hughes before hugging Freddy Garcia, a former Seattle teammate. Alex Rodriguez called Ichiro "a great man."
Rafael Soriano, who also played with Ichiro in Seattle, jokingly admonished outfielder was, "Do not be late for the 5:30 stretch .." Soriano that he heed the warning; Ichiro on time, jogging out of the third-base dugout to scream and cheers from the home crowd ever.
Ichiro spent some time on Monday to discuss with Rob Cucuzza uniform numbers, manager of the club equipment. No. 51 might be an iconic Ichiro in Seattle, but when the embroidery on the pinstripes, Bernie Williams was raised - and the Yankees do not have to wear since. Ichiro produce, pick No. 31 instead.
"Of course No. 51 is a special number for me, but when I think about what the 51 means for the Yankees, it's hard for me to ask for that number," Ichiro said. "I want to have a new number and then make your own."
Now the league season to-12 big, clubhouses switch Ichiro batting .261 with four home runs, 28 RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 95 games for Seattle. He believes that coming to New York will rejuvenate the appearance.
"Of course, it is my intention," Ichiro said. "Especially to see how the Yankees are doing now, I just want to do whatever I can to help the Yankees."
