Seattle Mariners Wiretap

Ichiro Will Hit Third For Mariners

After 11 seasons as a premiere leadoff hitter, Ichiro Suzuki will begin the 2012 season as Seattle's No. 3 hitter.

The Mariners have finished last in the American League in offense three straight years and are looking for a spark.

Chone Figgins and Dustin Ackley will be the likely Nos. 1 and 2 hitters, respectively.

"He's as smart a baseball player as we have in there, and he understands the game very well," manager Eric Wedge said. "He understands what the responsibility and priorities are with somebody hitting third, and I'm trusting in that.

"I had a good talk with him yesterday. It wasn't out of left field, because we've had discussions [previously]. He's on board. He's ready to go."

Via MLB.com

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Ichiro Won't Say If Or When He Will Retire

Ichiro Suzuki is heading into the final year of his contract with the Mariners.

The 38-year-old kicked off his 12th Major League season on Saturday during the team's first full-squad workout.

"When I first came in 2001, I never thought that I would be here in 2012," he said through translator Antony Suzuki.

"You can wish you'd be there, but you never know. So it's the little things that count and it's the little things that you build off, to where you've come this far."

Suzuki, a 10-time Major League All-Star, is the team leader in hits with 10 straight seasons of 200 or more from 2001-10.

Via Associated Press

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Mariners Will Give Catricala Look At Third

Vinnie Catricala has arrived at camp with the Mariners.

Seattle plans to give the prospect a look at third base this spring.

Originally drafted by the Indians in the 50th round back in 2006, the Mariners took the hitter in the 10th round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft.

Via Geoff Baker/Seattle Times (via Twitter)

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