NewsInbox: Will Ichiro pitch late in his career?
Beat reporter Jim Street answers Mariners fans' questions
By Jim Street / MLB.com
09/28/09 4:50 PM ET
We are into the final week of the regular season and the Mariners have made great strides in 2009. But much work remains to be done before they can seriously challenge the Angels in the AL West, which some believe is the most balanced division in the Major Leagues. As we head into the offseason, fans in Mariners Nation have questions and we're here to answer as many as we can, so send 'em in.
I heard somewhere that Ichiro Suzuki wants to pitch later in his career. If that is so and in the American League, can Ichiro hit in the lineup in the place of the DH?
-- Ryan T., Syracuse, N.Y.
While it is true that Ichiro would like to pitch in a Major League game, there probably isn't a manager out there that would be willing to risk his job by giving the Mariners right fielder that opportunity. The reason: Jose Canseco.
You might recall that Canseco suffered an arm injury soon after he was used as a relief pitcher by the Rangers during a 15-1 loss to the Red Sox on May 29, 1993. Canseco threw 33 pitches and on July 9 underwent Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery. The injury was blamed on his relief appearance.
The Mariners actually have a position player on the team that has pitched this season. Shortstop Josh Wilson tossed one inning of relief for the Padres, surrendering three runs, and worked a scoreless inning for the D-backs. He also pitched a scoreless inning for the Rays in 2007.
Do you think Ken Griffey Jr. has at least one or two more years in him? If so, are the Mariners the front-running team to sign him?
-- Blaine K., Honolulu.
Griffey has not decided whether he wants to play anywhere next season, but if he does, I think it would be with the Mariners because that's the team he wants to finish his career with.
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As I have mentioned before, Griffey's batting average will be the lowest of his Hall of Fame career, but he has meant more to the team than I thought he would. His actions inside the clubhouse which have helped bring players closer together, have been nothing short of superb.
My guess is that his status for 2010 will be put on the back burner for a few months while GM Jack Zduriencik attempts to build a better offense via trades or free agent signings.
Do you think Bill Hall will be the Mariners starting third baseman next year?
-- Derek L., Bellingham, Wash.
I think either Hall or Matt Tuiasosopo will be the starting third baseman when the Mariners open the 2010 season in Oakland. As of right now, Hall probably has a slight edge because of his experience.
He played the position for the Brewers and the Mariners believe Tuiasosopo would make an excellent utility player, ala Mark McLemore or Willie Bloomquist.
Without a doubt, the competition at third base figures to be an interesting position to watch during Spring Training and I expect both of them to be on the 25-man Opening Day roster.
When a pitcher is getting ready to come off the DL, they usually throw a "simulated game". What is a simulated game? Thanks.
-- Mike D., Portland, Ore.
The purpose of a simulated game is to make the workout as close to actual game conditions as possible. There usually are three or four hitters during a simulated game and each time a pitcher gets three outs, or throws a certain amount of pitches, he will take a brief rest, just as he would between innings of a real game.
The protective screen used in a normal batting practice session is not used during a simulated game.
A few months ago I heard Bob Feller speak and I looked up his record and saw that he had 279 complete games in his career. How many complete games does the Mariners staff have since the team was formed in 1977? Thank you.
-- Paul A., Sun City West, Ariz.
As of Sunday, the Mariners' franchise had a grand total of 530 complete games in the 32-year history of the franchise. Right-hander Mike Moore is the all-time leader with 56 CGs, five more than Randy Johnson, and Felix Hernandez has the most complete games this season: two.
Furthermore, Cy Young twirled a MLB-record 749 complete games in his career, logging a record 7,354 2/3 innings.
What kind of future does Bryan LaHair have with the Mariners? At one time he was a top prospect in the Minor Leagues.
-- Philip D., Pinehurst, N.C.
LaHair had a fine season with Triple-A Tacoma this season, batting .289 with 26 home runs and 85 RBIs. But the fact he wasn't promoted in September suggests that his future is not all that bright and I would not be surprised to see him get traded during the offseason.
Jim Street is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
