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Nevertheless, the status of the Mariners' star outfielder is a growing issue with the opening of spring training just weeks away. Ichiro has one season left on the four-year, $44 million contract he signed after the 2003 season. "We stand today where we stood weeks ago, months ago," Ichiro's agent, Tony Attanasio, said by phone from San Diego. "We have told the club that when they are prepared to talk, we would listen. I didn't say we would negotiate; I said we would listen. "That's been Ichiro's position from Day 1 he came to Seattle. He has never made any protestations, demands or requests to go anyplace. He's got a new home in the Seattle area. He loves the community." |
Ichiro's agent strongly disputed an article in the Japanese media this week that reportedly portrayed Ichiro as being prepared to walk away from the Mariners as a free agent after next season.