We Cant Afford Bobby Abreu?! I Blame Ichiro.

Bobby Abreu would be a great addition to the Mariners. While his batting average was just under .300 last year (2.96) his on base percentage was 3.71 which is way more important to me, not even Ichiro's OBP was that high (3.61). While his batting average was under .300 it was better than the majority of the team who had 20 players under his. His slugging percentage was 4.71. In 609 plate appearances he had 180 hits, 39 were doubles and 4 were triples and 20 were homeruns (only 5 less than Mariner Homerun leader Adrian Beltre). His stats put him with quality players like John Olerud, Bernie Williams, Bobby Bonilla, Luis Gonzalez, George Brett, Garrett Anderson, and Reggie Smith. He has even contended that he is very interested in playing for the Mariners...so why arent they jumping at the chance to sign him?

They say they cant afford him. They have set their budget at $100 million and are around $ 96 right now. Yet, apart of Ichiro's contract was a reported $35,000 housing alliance, 4 first class tickets from Japan a year, a new car (specified as a Mercedes SUV) and continuation of a translator (DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THAT) plus whatever else they didnt release to the media. His teamates called him out in the media last season on his diva like behaviour and while yes, he is a great player, heck I'll give him amazing, his attitude and demands are less than pleasing. A recipient of an amazing contract he should step up the team leadership...nope not a chance. All Ichiro cares about is...ICHIRO. Back to my point...if you add up Ichiro's "Bonuses"

• 4 First Class tickets: $ 16,000 each times 4 = $64,000 times 5 years = $320,000 Give or take a few thousand dollars
• Mercedes SUV plus additional car perks $101,291
• Housing Allowance of $32,000 that increases by $1000 each year...round it up to $40,000
• An interpreter because he refuses to speak English to the media...research has found that media interpreters make around $70,000 a year..for a MLB interpreter? Im going to be very generous and round to $100,000
• And add the $ 5,000,000 signing bonus

$5,561,291 in extra Ichiro bonuses

While this may not seem like a significant number, with his $90 million salary he can afford the above..the right thing would be to give these up so the Mariners could sign the power hitter they most desperately need to become a successful team. Of course Ichiro would never do this because he doesnt want the team to have any star power besides himself. But I can dream right?!?!

http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/mariners/index.html#036951

thanks to my Dad for the great link. Its really some great stuff! :)