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08:29 AM ET 08.12 | A-Rod's return from a non-displaced fracture of his left hand in September very possibly will turn Suzuki into the most famous late-inning pinch-runner and defensive specialist in the game. Now a bunch of stuff has to fall in place for this to occur -- namely Rodriguez must get healthy, Eric Chavez must stay healthy and Ichiro must remain one of the softest hitters in the game. But that is not like, say, Newt Gingrich begging you to vote for Barack Obama unimaginable. Manager Joe Girardi already has had to tell Ichiro he is no longer a right fielder, top-of-the-order mainstay and no-doubt, play-everyday starter. And, in about a month, he might have to tell one of the iconic players of this era that he no longer starts much at all.

Ichiro Suzuki, Icon SMI

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August 12, 2012 08:31 AM ET

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It Happens To The Best of Them!!!

Not4Nutten

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August 12, 2012 10:11 AM ET

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I still think he should have stayed with the Mariners and then retired after this year. Even if he wins a World Series with the Yanks, it will be "tainted".

The Oldtimer

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August 12, 2012 10:13 AM ET

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Just another player who held on a little too long.

williewilliejuan

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August 12, 2012 10:17 AM ET

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Why did NYY pick him up ?

Eagles in 2020

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August 12, 2012 10:27 AM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 10:17 AM ET 08.12 by Eagles in 2020

Why did NYY pick him up ?

They needed an outfielder when Gardner got hurt.

williewilliejuan

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August 12, 2012 10:48 AM ET

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QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 10:27 AM ET 08.12 by williewilliejuan

They needed an outfielder when Gardner got hurt.

Why didn't they bring some one up from their farm system?

The Oldtimer

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Comment #7 has been removed

August 12, 2012 11:11 AM ET

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QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 10:58 AM ET 08.12 by Prayin' Utleys

"But that is not like, say, Newt Gingrich begging you to vote for Barack Obama unimaginable."AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I think good ol Newt has shown us in the past, he will work for whoever pays him.

Eagles in 2020

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August 12, 2012 11:24 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 10:13 AM ET 08.12 by williewilliejuan

Just another player who held on a little too long.

Ichiro joins a long list of them.................

Michael1971

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August 12, 2012 11:41 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 10:11 AM ET 08.12 by The Oldtimer

I still think he should have stayed with the Mariners and then retired after this year. Even if he wins a World Series with the Yanks, it will be "tainted".

Tainted? Why because he didn't stay with a crap team and was traded to a first place team? MANY old players do the exact same thing.

danimal09752

Ocala, FL

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August 12, 2012 11:45 AM ET

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QUOTE(#10):

Originally posted 11:41 AM ET 08.12 by danimal09752

Tainted? Why because he didn't stay with a crap team and was traded to a first place team? MANY old players do the exact same thing.

"Tainted", because he played "half the season" with a loser and "half the season" with a winner. I would say the same thing about any player, that was traded at the trade deadline and went on to win a ring.

The Oldtimer

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August 12, 2012 11:58 AM ET

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Ichiro has had to swallow some hard truths lately. He should be getting used to it.

...the best policy

Harrodsburg, KY

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August 12, 2012 12:13 PM ET

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The outcome of ending up a defensive replacement, pinch runner, and occasional pinch hitter was a given from the moment he agreed to be traded to the Yankees--and he knew it. ARod's injury just delayed the result. He was moved to LF because in Yankee stadium left field is larger than right, and Swisher doesn't have the range to play the big field.

Traded to Seattle

Salem , OR

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August 12, 2012 12:28 PM ET

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This is what this retread wanted. To leave a team that he could play for everyday to one that he will basically be scrubbing the cans for.

Bigdad01

Keller, TX

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August 12, 2012 12:41 PM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 10:11 AM ET 08.12 by The Oldtimer

I still think he should have stayed with the Mariners and then retired after this year. Even if he wins a World Series with the Yanks, it will be "tainted".

Tainted with what?!?

avirex34

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August 12, 2012 01:00 PM ET

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I see another name change coming.. Chad Onodinko

BCGuy

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August 12, 2012 01:08 PM ET

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QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 11:45 AM ET 08.12 by The Oldtimer

"Tainted", because he played "half the season" with a loser and "half the season" with a winner. I would say the same thing about any player, that was traded at the trade deadline and went on to win a ring.

Lame.

Mondo Jay

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August 12, 2012 01:10 PM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 10:11 AM ET 08.12 by The Oldtimer

I still think he should have stayed with the Mariners and then retired after this year. Even if he wins a World Series with the Yanks, it will be "tainted".

The only taint here is in the photo at the top of the article.

h2opololpunk

Gainesville, FL

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August 12, 2012 01:13 PM ET

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This Yankees squad will only go as far as their bench takes them. Also Chavez is not an everyday player anymore. He has been told by doctors to rest after every 4 games.