Ichiro Suzuki...

[wolf_chatter]

10 straight seasons, 200 hits+ each season. MLB record.

Not a Mariner's fan but thats awesome.

[backsthepack]

how long does it normally take to get to 3000 hits? Because he'd get there in under 15 whole seasons.

[newpackcity]

One of the most under appreciated players in MLB history!

[Stuck in Seattle]

Originally Posted by bseal

One of the most under appreciated players in MLB history!

I've long been an Ichiro fan, and I may be more surprised than most that his reflexes have lasted this long. I figured he'd be slowing down and getting fewer hits as he lost his speed. But if you've followed the Ms you know Ichiro isn't all that. He's not a leader, he's selfish and does what's best for him. He's never learned to take a walk. His on base percentage blows for someone with his speed and ability to handle a bat. He's got no power.

He'd be an unbelievably valuable player on a team with some big bats. But he's a small cog in a broken machine. I hate saying that but it's true. He'd be a great roll player but he doesn't lead.

[wolf_chatter]

Originally Posted by backsthepack

how long does it normally take to get to 3000 hits? Because he'd get there in under 15 whole seasons.

would be my guess...

The top guys seem to average around 1.1 to 1.35 hits per game in their careers. So you play 155 games x 1.3 hits per and thats an average of 201.5 hits per year.

Pete Rose: 1.19 hits per game played
Ty Cobb: 1.38 hits per game played
Babe Ruth: 1.14 HPGP
Nap. Lajoie: 1.30 HPGP
Bonds: .98 HPGP

[packee]

Originally Posted by wolf_chatter

Pete Rose: 1.19 hits per game played
Ty Cobb: 1.38 hits per game played
Babe Ruth: 1.14 HPGP
Nap. Lajoie: 1.30 HPGP
Bonds: .98 HPGP

and Ichiro currently at 1.41 HPG

[justintime]

Originally Posted by Stuck in Seattle

I've long been an Ichiro fan, and I may be more surprised than most that his reflexes have lasted this long. I figured he'd be slowing down and getting fewer hits as he lost his speed. But if you've followed the Ms you know Ichiro isn't all that. He's not a leader, he's selfish and does what's best for him. He's never learned to take a walk. His on base percentage blows for someone with his speed and ability to handle a bat. He's got no power.

He'd be an unbelievably valuable player on a team with some big bats. But he's a small cog in a broken machine. I hate saying that but it's true. He'd be a great roll player but he doesn't lead.

Cultural influences? The Japanese are all about deferring to elders and putting many small cogs together to make a big machine.

[newpackcity]

Originally Posted by packee

and Ichiro currently at 1.41 HPG

The only problem he is facing is time, it's a shame he came to the States at 27, instead of say, 21!

[Wolf Pack316]

Big Mariner fan here and I cant argue about most of what you say SIS....but will disagree with you on Ichiro having power. I watch many many Mairner games a year and the reason he doesnt hit for power is cause he knows his average will drop by probably 30 points and his K's will go up and the orginzation wants him on base. So I dont know if you call that selfish or doing what is best for the team (that can hit him in anyways if he on base) but he is a great ball player.....but definetly not a leader. Speaking of Mariners...another great stat. King Felix took his 12th loss today (2 hit ball) in a 1-0 loss. In his 12 losses the mariners have scored a total of 14 runs in those games. Way to back up your ace....and that is why Felix is still being talked about the Cy Young.

[bornsilverandblue]

Originally Posted by Stuck in Seattle

He's got no power.

Mike Krukow once said something about him that I have to agree with: he could hit 30 home runs a year if he wanted to, but that's not his job. His job is to get on base, so he swings for contact, rather than power.

Originally Posted by Stuck in Seattle

He'd be a great roll player but he doesn't lead.

He'd be like Dobby among the house elves if he tried to become a leader. That's not Japanese culture. My communications professor once pointed out Akira Kurosawa as an example.