The Mariners are clearly done again this year. This much is obvious. The A's, like it or not, will be soon with this offense. I was never sold on these players being an upgrade offensively.  Matsui < Cust. I dont know why this was an even argument with most you guys. Willingham =(ish) to Sweeney. And Dejesus is a decent player but no game changer, and impeding the progress of Carter. Though i was happy with these moves as far as deptth purposes, you have to be a blind optimist to be excited for these additions. I realize that power is probably our most desperate need, but an exciting and FAMOUS player can help out tremendously as well.

It may be difficult, and likely impossible in this case, to trade interdivision for an icon but we should  try. He still is Ichiro, and we would have a near monopoly on Japanese talent. This would build attendence and media (We would be more famous overseas than here, sadly) attention.  Having a megawatt star on this team would revitalize the vets and excite the youngsters into really believeing we have a chance.  Most importantly he would easily help on the field.

Gold glove D

Second to none table setting.

I was expecting more of a list before I wrote that, but I think that will suffice. Acquiring Ichiro may only be prudent as a ancillary move. If we were also able to acquire a reasonably powerful bat as well, our offense would be multiple times better.

Another thing to consider if he is acquired (especially without another addition), is where to bat him. Obviously he is your prototype leadoff man, but in our case he might be best served 2nd or even 3rd. We can set the table fine enough with Barton and Coco but we need someone to knock them in more consistently than the garbage we have.

What would it take? Doing a quick look at his contract...... oh boy... about 20 mil the next two years....

maybe we should try for Cust.. I hear he is good this time of year