0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
SAN FRANCISCO -- Seattle Mariners center fielder Ichiro Suzuki is said to be close to signing a five-year extension with the Mariners that could be worth almost $100 million.Several media outlets were reporting Tuesday that Suzuki -- a seven-time All-Star who was in the American League's starting lineup on Tuesday in San Francisco -- and the Mariners could announce the deal as early as Friday.Ichiro, 34, wouldn't confirm or deny the reports before the All-Star Game, saying that "whatever happens, will happen in the future ... maybe three hours from now, maybe three days."Ichiro -- who's four-year, $41 million contract ends after this season -- said in Spring Training that he was open to free agency.He was asked Monday during a news conference if Seattle's strong start this season has changed his thoughts about his future with the team, the only one he's played for in U.S. baseball, he said it "has definitely influenced it."Like last season, the Mariners are 2 1/2 games back in the AL West Division, though they have a significantly better record (49-36) than a year ago (43-46)."The team is completely different than last year ... the mental state is different and how everyone is taking it is totally different than last year," Ichiro said. "There have been seasons in the past where the season would already be over at this point."
Has he signed yet?
