By Jonathan Lee
July 24, 2012

In a shocker of a move, Ichiro left the Emerald City and is headed to the Big Apple.  The Mariners sent their long-time outfielder to the Yankees in exchange for a pair of middling reliever prospects.  Ichiro will fill the role of speedy defensive outfielder left by Brett Gardner who is out for the season with an elbow injury.

Usually a move involving a player of this magnitude would have a major impact on projections.  Ichiro however is more about reputation than actual production.  This season he is batting just .261/.288/.352, well below his career averages of .322/.366/.418.  What Ichiro really is at this point is an extremely light-hitting defensive outfielder with some speed.

This diminished version of Ichiro has virtually no impact on the forecast for New York.  That is a very minor negative effect due to the fact that he is taking away at-bats from the resurgent Eric Chavez and Andruw Jones.  Both veterans have hit very well in limited roles this season.

The Yankees clearly are not getting the vintage Ichiro.  Still, this is a solid move because neither of the pitchers they gave up are thought to be even solid prospects and the Mariners are helping to pay much of money remaining on Ichiro’s contract.  His presence allows Raul Ibanez to put away his glove for the rest of the season as well.