Ichiro's gearing up for the WBC

[Mephistopheles]

No quotes (not yet at least). But he's getting his groove on:

 

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5814/mla0902080502003p31bu5.jpghttp://img5.imageshack.us/img5/807/mla0902080502003p1uv6.jpghttp://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6192/mla0902080502003p2ca6.jpg

 

Japan's manager Tatsunori Hara has said that he might use Ichiro late in games. Ichiro has topped out in the low 90s hitting 95 before.

 

Of course, the Mariners have said this won't happen

 

http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090210&content_id=3816358&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea

 

I don't think Ichiro gives a damn. If there's a chance he's going to take it consequences be damned. He's apparently been itching to pitch in a major league game since he's gotten here and has asked every M's manager.

 

Jose Canseco says hi.

[bcl412]

Well, he does have a cannon for an arm.

 

But I can see why Seattle would be pissed if he got hurt pitching in an exhibition tournament.

[chuckywang]

I would think Ichiro would be less likely to get hurt pitching than playing the outfield. That said, something tells me that the WBC means a lot more to Japan and Japanese players than it does to the US. Perhaps cause Japan is the defending champs?

[Wilson A2000]

Japan doesn't have any better pitchers than Ichiro? Can he throw a curve, a change, or a slider?