The following story from Fox Sports on MSN can be accessed at the link provided below:
Seattle star Ichiro is going to be a free agent at the end of the 2007 season. But it's reasonable to guess that he won't end up a Cleveland Indian next year. According to a report in the Seattle Times, the Mariners outfielder said he would punch himself in the face if he ever caught himself saying he would enjoy a trip to the city once derisively referred to as "the mistake by the lake." Seattle had to make a side trip to Cleveland for a make-up game on Monday, where the Mariners blew a seven-run lead before winning, 8-7. "To tell the truth, I'm not excited to go to Cleveland, but we have to," Ichiro proclaimed, through an interpreter. "If I ever saw myself saying I'm excited going to Cleveland, I'd punch myself in the face, because I'm lying." Monday's game was a makeup for an April matchup that was part of an entire series with the Indians wiped out due to snow. The Mariners were originally scheduled to have Monday off before what was originally scheduled as a six-game road trip beginning in Chicago on Tuesday night.
Me thinks he doth protest too much! Cleveland would personally be a great fit for "Itchy" and he knows it. The fact is, he probably would love how this city would embrace him. Despite his little "dis" to Cleveland, the fans would forgive and forget...hell, they'd probably put up a statue on Public Square to him if he was even remotely successful on the shores of Erie.
But wait, let's not fall in love with another Wayne Garland...or Keith Hernandez...or Hawk Harrelson! Let's take a look at what "Itchy" has left to offer:
- "Itchy" will be 34 years old in October.
- When he loses a few more steps in the field, he would not have the physical attributes to become a designated hitter.
- Cleveland teams thrive on "Team Players" like Casey Blake, Victor Martinez, Grady Sizemore, Travis Hafner, Trot Nixon, and the likes.
- The Indians' minor league system has some extremely talented outfielders with big sticks on the verge of going to the "Show" right now.
- When speedy Josh Barfield becomes more comfortable with American League pitching, he will be a great candidate for the lead-off spot in the line-up, putting the left-handed bat of Grady Sizemore in the second spot, batting behind the runner.
So, "Itchy," your point has been made and well taken. Thanks for the sobering comments on your future anywhere but Cleveland. You more than likely saved the town from yet another "Mistake on the Lake!"
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1 comment:
OK, I can see how he might have been trying to, in a roundabout way, compliment the Indians for being a good team. That he wouldn't have been excited to go to Cleveland because the Indians are a hard team to beat.
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