Branch Rickey always said it was better to trade a player a year early than a year late -- you might miss out on one more great season from said player, but at least his trade value would still be pretty high. The Mariners' trade of Ichiro Suzuki to the Yankees may be an example of this -- perhaps the finest pure hitter in Mariners history netted Seattle only two minor league pitchers. That might be commensurate with his current value, as he's a shadow of the player he used to be, but it's one more strange sight in a night that had Ichiro wearing an "NY" logo on his cap.

Did the Mariners trade Ichiro Suzuki too late in his career?

•  
  63%
  Yes
•  
  37%
  No

(Total votes: 66,042)

What type of move is it for the Mariners to give up Ichiro Suzuki for two minor league pitchers?

•  
  13%
  Great move
•  
  51%
  Solid move
•  
  36%
  Bad move

(Total votes: 83,938)

What kind of upgrade will Ichiro Suzuki be to the Yankees outfield?

•  
  30%
  Major upgrade
•  
  62%
  Minor upgrade
•  
  8%
  Not an upgrade

(Total votes: 26,761)