Mariners set to sign Ichiro to 5-year deal

[The Wedge]

This contract is bad, but it's not that bad considering the effect he likely has on their revenue. Just as a ballplayer, and considering the market, 5/65 seems about right. So 5M a year for his marketability.

Not just for the team, either. I read a report somewhere that the city itself was worried about the negative economic impact of losing Ichiro, because they'd lose that rabid Japanese following he has following him. Not sure if they're as numerous as when he first came to MLB, but I did read they were worried about that. Wonder if that put pressure on the team to give him a little extra juice?