Suzuki is Japanese for Traded

Rightfielder Off to Twin Cities in Surprise Deal

The Seattle Mariners Thursday traded rightfielder Ichiro Suzuki to the Minnesota Twins for that franchise's 2006 first-round selection in the Molson Baseball League Draft. Although a press conference was originally scheduled for Thursday night, an interpreter could not be located and forced rescheduling to this morning.

With all due respect, why did you trade Ichiro?

After reading the Capitol Division preview, it became clear to the organization that the Florida Marlins are the class of the division and that we needed to deal from strength to address some weaknesses. With J.D. Drew and several others on the roster capable of playing outfield, plus Furcal's ability to hit leadoff, we felt we could put his cap space to better use.

Is it true the San Francisco Giants expressed interest?

Yes, we did get a feeler from them, but talks never really got off the ground.

Which other teams were in the hunt?

We discussed Ichiro with the Padres and Indians, but both of those teams decided to move ahead with their selections. We offered him to the Mets, but that team didn't respond.

So, where will Seattle go with this pick?

Tune in tomorrow at 1200 Eastern.

Does this mean the Mariners are not planning to compete this season?

Not at all. Although Ichiro is an all-star caliber player, we felt we had depth at his position that could, with the application of the new cap space to draft choices, make us a better team overall.