Quoted: I liked “Out of 14 teams, we’re 11th in pitching. And I’ll guarantee some of those people pointing fingers are pitchers … I’d keep my mouth shut if I was somebody saying something and part of that staff. 11th in the league in pitching, I don’t think I’d be saying too much.”

Redotting.

This is great news, although $100 million for a 5-year deal is definitely on the high side for someone of Ichiro's abilities. I'm sure this will be controversial in the blogoshere.

Nonetheless, I'd argue it is justifiable as a business decision. Ichiro is a fan favorite. As such, his salary will be offset by increased ticket sales and viewership in the U.S. and Japan.

Didn't realize Ichiro idolized Junior this much.

Quoted: "He was already a star when I was a student in Japan," Ichiro said. "Ever since then, he's always been my favorite player. To be able to play on the ballfield with that guy is something that makes me very happy. It's actually a dream come true for me. I don't think there's anybody else in Major League Baseball that plays with as much grace and beauty as he does."

Ichiro on the current losing streak...

Quoted: "There are things that we need to recognize for this team," Ichiro said through a translator, "and just because we have a day off, doesn't mean that those things we need to recognize are just going to take care of themselves."
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When asked if his team could rediscover the magic that led to a season-best 35-26 record just one week ago, he replied: "If we just expect it to happen and do nothing else, it will not happen. You just can't expect things to happen."

I think he's gone next season.

Nice to hear that Ichiro is feeling positive about the M's again. But, with the Angels playing as well as they are, I don't think the M's will make the playoffs this year.

Quoted: "To find motivation inside yourself is something that's hard...but when the team is doing well...it's easier...that hasn't happened for a couple, a few years and right now I feel like that lost feeling I had is finally coming back to me." - Ichiro to Shannon Drayer after tonight's game - 4 June 2007

Speaking of Ichiro quotes, there are a ton in this article.

Quoted: "There are degrees of unhappiness," Seattle skipper Mike Hargrove says. "There are times in my marriage when I'm not real happy with my wife, but I still love her and, overall, I like it. I know the fans and the city love Ichiro. I think he loves them, too.
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"Yeah, I think we have a chance to keep him. Until the day he walks, I'll believe that."
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The Mariners say they want to extend his deal and have him retire in a Seattle uniform. Asked if he prefers to stay, Ichiro demurs: "It's a very touchy subject right now, so I'd prefer not to answer."

click to play

Quoted: ichiro age 26
...
matsuzaka age 18