Ichiro’s signing completes and all left-handed Yankee outfield
As expected New York Yankees re-signed Ichiro Suzuki to a two-year $13 million contract. The two sides reached agreement last week and today’s signing makes it official.
Ichiro is now set to join fellow left-handers Curtis Granderson and Brett Gardner in the Yankees outfield . The team is exploring the option of adding a right-handed bat to the mix.
Over the weekend, the Yankees were linked to two names, Vernon Wells and Michael Bourn.
The Angels are looking to move Wells and are reportedly ready to pay most of the $42 million owed to him over the last two years of his contract.
Bourn likely would not become an option unless his asking price comes down significantly.
Scott Hairston would be a more cost-effective solution as the Yankees seek to reduce payroll below the $189 million threshold by 2014
Ichiro was acquired by the Yankees from the Seattle Mariners in July in a trade for minor league pitchers D.J. Mitchell and Danny Farquhar and hit .322/.340/.454 with New York after the trade.
New York designated Jim Miller for assignment to make room for Ichiro on the 40 man roster.
Miller, 30, appeared in 33 games for Oakland this past season and had a 2.59 ERA in just under 49 innings of work
