Ichiro to Hit 3rd in 2012

[Oriology]

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/75...i-leadoff-spot

Maybe he'll break out his home run swing?

[Can_of_corn]

I give it till May first.

[PrivateO]

I've always heard that Ichiro does have the ability/power to hit for home runs.

We'll see if that rumor can become a reality.

[Can_of_corn]

I've always heard that Ichiro does have the ability/power to hit for home runs.

We'll see if that rumor can become a reality.

Or not. I think Ichiro's goals do not include hitting home runs. I think he values hits and batting average and I do not think he will change his approach.

[Lucky Jim]

The idea that Ichiro is in charge of his results at this point (i.e., skills still sharp enough to dictate what he does or doesn't do) seems far-fetched, given the steep decline in his numbers. He'll either be back up to 1 or 2 in the line-up (if they're scared to drop him) or batting in the bottom 3.

[DrungoHazewood]

The idea that Ichiro is in charge of his results at this point (i.e., skills still sharp enough to dictate what he does or doesn't do) seems far-fetched, given the steep decline in his numbers. He'll either be back up to 1 or 2 in the line-up (if they're scared to drop him) or batting in the bottom 3.

If the Orioles can win more games than they lose this year, Ichiro can certainly flip a switch and go back to the 20-homer, .385-average guy he was in Japan 15 years ago.

Plus, I think he just lost his exclamation point last year. If he can find it he can go back to being Ichiro! and all will be well.

[backwardsk]

The idea that Ichiro is in charge of his results at this point (i.e., skills still sharp enough to dictate what he does or doesn't do) seems far-fetched, given the steep decline in his numbers. He'll either be back up to 1 or 2 in the line-up (if they're scared to drop him) or batting in the bottom 3.

Even if he performs as he did last season, he's still one of their top hitters. That's how anemic their line-up is. They are putting Figgins and his .241 OBP at lead off. That's outstanding.