Yankees Aquire Ichiro Suzuki

Ichiro Suzuki's time in Seattle has officially ended.

The New York Yankees have acquired the Japanese legend from the Seattle Mariners for right-handers D.J. Mitchell and Danny Farquar.

Ichiro, 38, has seen his production declined over the last season and a half. His $17 million dollar price tag didn't equal his value on the field. His batting average and on-base percentage are both career lows at .261 and .288.

He could find new life in New York with the short porch in right-field. He isn't known for his power, but even the worst power hitters find themselves knocking a few out at new Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees miss the speed of Brett Gardner and Nick Swisher is currently dealing with a hip injury. They saw a need and made the most surprising trade this season.

Mitchell and Farquar aren't top-tier prospects. Mitchell has seen time with the Yankees this season and has a minor league ERA in the mid 3.00 range.

Could this trade be Seattle's way of making amends for trading an injured Michael Pineda for Jesus Montero last summer?

This was clearly a salary dump and the Yankees have the extra income to absorb some of Ichiro's remaining contract. It is unknown the amount of cash Seattle is sending over in the deal.

Both of these teams begin their series tonight...and yes, Ichiro will appear in pinstripes tonight.

My 2008 Un-All-Star Team - Revisited

On May 7th this year I made my "2008 Un-All-Star Team." I wanted to re-visit this, as some of the players have turned their seasons around, and some have tanked even farther down than I could have imagined. Some have grown mustaches to bust out of their slumps, while others seemed content with a mediocre year and released from their teams. I love when people say that some players are "second-half guys," as you can see, not all players end up heating up as the temperature rises.

The batting averages in italics are as of May 7th, 2008.

Infield
Rickie Weeks - .195 - currently .229 - not an everyday starter
Robinson Cano - .157 - currently .264 - a true second-half guy
Kenji Johjima - .189 - currently .213 - lost his starting job
Ben Broussard - .159 - currently .159 - released and now currently in minors with Yankees
Johnny Estrada - .179 - currently .170 - released by Nationals
Casey Blake - .202 - currently .292 - traded to Dodgers, doing very well.
Ryan Howard - .168 - currently .235 - tied for major league lead in home-runs

Outfield
Andruw Jones - .158 - currently .161 - injury-plagued season
Alfonso Soriano - .177 - currently .293 - made actual all-star team
Nick Swisher - .196 - currently .213 - been very streaky
Jose Guillen - .165 - currently .252 - great second-half
Jim Edmonds - .172 - currently .240 - released by Padres, signed with Cubs, has been on fire when in the starting lineup
Michael Bourn - .194 - currently .226 - an off year, hasn't stole many bases in the second half

Designated Hitter (barely)
Gary Sheffield - .176 - currently .223 - injury plagued season
Jose Vidro - .192 - currently .234 - released by Mariners
Jim Thome - .209 - currently .250 - a very resurgent second-half, big power numbers as well
Jason Giambi .157 - currently .252 - great middle of the season, has fell off here of late

The baseball season is a long and grueling marathon, not everyone can sprint the entire season. A lot can change during the season, but if a player can stay healthy and consistent throughout their career, they will have long playing careers in the Majors. For those you stay injured or struggle, it is easy for a club to cut their loses and a career can come to an end.