This is one battle the New York Yankees don't want to lose as they have been rumored to be working on signing Ichiro Suzuki and a deal could be finalized soon.
The Yankees undoubtedly need outfield help. They should get Brett Gardner back healthy this season and though a lot of teams have inquired about Curtis Granderson, they still have a centerfielder.
With Nick Swisher being courted by teams around the league, getting Ichiro back for a complete season is vital for the Yankees.
The Yankees are desperately searching for one-year deals as they will enter the 2013 season hobbling. Derek Jeter might return for opening day, but you can forget about Alex Rodriguez being active following another hip surgery.
The Yanks lost Eric Chavez after he signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Jeff Keppinger was wooed by the Chicago White Sox.
They are still looking for relief at third base and they believe Kevin Youkilis is their man.
Ichiro would provide economic relief as the Yankees continue to search for inexpensive veterans that would keep them in track for their goals of a payroll under $189 million in 2014.
Ichiro is 39-years-old, turning 40 at the end of the 2013 season. Despite the age, Ichiro continues to perform at a high level, not for an old man (in terms of baseball years), but in baseball terms in general.
He batted .322 with the Yankees and in 67 games in New York. almost matching his Seattle Mariners numbers. Ichiro played 99 games in Seattle that season before being traded hitting .261 with five homers and 28 RBI. With the Yankees he smacked four homers and drove in 27. He also stole 14 bases with the Yankees while stealing 15 with Seattle.
He is durable and is in the lineup every day, meaning he's healthy, and as much as the Yankees could use production, they are seeking health as well.
More from the Ichiro deal is coming and we will update you with whatever goes down in the next couple of days.
