Bronx, NY (Sports Network) - The New York Yankees re-signed outfielder Ichiro
Suzuki to a two-year contract on Wednesday.
The deal is reportedly worth $13 million.
Acquired by the Yankees on July 23 from the Seattle Mariners, Suzuki batted
.322 with five homers and 27 RBI in 67 games for New York. Overall in 2012,
Suzuki batted .283 with 77 runs, 28 doubles, six triples, nine home runs, 55
RBI and 29 stolen bases in 162 games with Seattle and New York.
"The Yankees are the kind of team that I always envisioned being a part of,"
Suzuki said. "Everyone in the world of competition has a strong desire to win,
but the Yankees also have an atmosphere where losing is not an option. These
two observations may sound similar, but I believe it is a rarity to find both
coexisting in the same organization.
"I believe the Yankees organization appreciates that there is a difference
between a 39 year old who has played relying only on talent, and a 39 year old
who has prepared, practiced, and thought thoroughly through many experiences
for their craft. I am very thankful, and I will do my best to deliver on their
expectations."
Suzuki hit safely in each of his first 12 games with the Yankees, tying Don
Slaught (1988) for the longest hitting streak to begin a Yankees career.
The 10-time American League All-Star has a career .322 average with 1,204
runs, 308 doubles, 104 homers, 660 RBI and 452 stolen bases in 1,911 games
with the Mariners and Yankees.
In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated pitcher Jim
Miller for assignment.
The Sports Network