Ichiro wants to play in MLB until he's at least 50. Any chance?

[True Dough]

He's almost 44. The Marlins have an option on him for $2 million next season.

He came off the bench a lot this year and is hitting .259 with 20 RBI and 3 HRs.

He has 3,080 career hits (plus more in Japan), and ranks 22nd all-time in MLB hits.

"You get judged by your numbers and what you've left behind when you leave this game," Ichiro said. "I think everybody in here would want to [break the record], because we're all professionals. We're all trying to do something and leave a mark on the game.

"I have an opportunity now to do something that can leave something behind. I think it's a great opportunity."

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/20868828/ichiro-suzuki-wants-return-miami-marlins-play-least-50

[Brother Buzz]

1. If they parked him at first base, he could kinda play

At fifty, he might still have a reasonable stick, but his legs would become a liability in the outfield.

Satchel Paige was still playing at 58, but pitchers don't need to run all that much.

[ProfessorGAC]

2. As Much As I Like Ichiro, No

Yeah, i get the first base thing another poster mentioned, but typically teams want run producers at the corners. 3 HR's and 20 RBI isn't going to attract much interest there.

I agree with the first reply that as excellent as he's been in the outfield, at more than one position, as he loses his speed he will not be that valuable out there.

So, DH or maybe occasionally at 1B, but still don't see 6 more years.

[Brother Buzz]

3. After reflecting a bit, I determined Ichiro would be a liability at first base

He's 5' 11", and by today's standards, that's puny. Short infielders with speed and agility are great, but first basemen need that 'stretch'.

[ProfessorGAC]

4. I Think Rizzo Is Only 6'1"

Maybe only 6 foot and he's GG
He is linebacker quick laterally though
Could be a while before Ichiro loses that much quick!

[Brother Buzz]

5. Rizzo is 6'3" - right in the middle

And a southpaw. Four inches is most certainly a game changer on an errant throws; a Golden Glove first baseman makes his infielders look good.

[ProfessorGAC]

6. That's What They Say

I've seen him up close
I don't believe he's that tall.
The lefty thing I buy though. The hole to his right is way higher probability for hard hit ball. His glove is on that side

[Brother Buzz]

7. If they exaggerated his height a bit....

one might assume they exaggerated Ichiro's height, too. Maybe he's only 5'10".

[ProfessorGAC]

8. Yeah, That's Fair! (eom)

[bathroommonkey76]

9. I think it's possible

Young teams would love to have a veteran like Ichiro in the clubhouse.

His numbers aren't bad, but they've been in decline for a few years. He probably wants to keep moving up the all-time hits list. Those years he didn't play in the majors are really coming back to haunt him- I think he could have broken Rose's record.