There has been a lot of press recently on how Ichiro has lost a step but it’s all propaganda.
Analysis: The main stream media wants you to think Ichiro isn’t Ichiro for some reason. However, all you have to do is look at the numbers and you’ll see Ichiro is still Ichiro, he’s just “sleeping” if you will. Ichiro’s BABIP is down over 75 points from his career average of .354. To add insult to injury, Ichiro has his lowest strikeout ratio(8.0 K%) since his rookie year in 2001(7.7 K%). Furthering the insult, Ichiro’s walk rate(7.4%) is his highest since 2002(9.3%). The media is making a huge deal that the outfielder is homerless through sixty-three games but Ichiro only hit six bombs last year. Not to make excuses but Safeco, next to Petco is the most pitcher friendly park in the bigs over the last five years. But you didn’t draft Ichiro for the power did you? It’s understandable to be frustrated with his batting average but he has been one unlucky guy this year. He’s putting the ball in play more than ever and he’s not getting rewarded. BABIP is a crazy thing, it can make Carlos Gonzalez look like a top ten pick(see my Febuary 20th article explaining that he wasn’t) and it can make Aaron Hill look just awful.
Projection: Ichiro is still on pace to steal 35-40 bags this year, that’s special when considering he’s hitting just .252. Expect four homers, twenty plus steals and a batting average over .300 in Ichiro’s remaining games.