By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Seattle, WA

Japanese outfielder Ichiro Suzuki was traded by the Seattle Mariners to the New York Yankees Monday for right-handers DJ Mitchell and Danny Farquhar in a deal that includes cash considerations.

The Japanese superstar, who has 2,533 career Major League hits in 12 seasons with Seattle, will immediately play against his former team as the Yankees are scheduled to face the Mariners Monday at Safeco Field.

"He's done some great things in the league," said Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. "Offense, defense, there's a lot of different ways he can beat you. He's been as consistent as anyone."

The Yankees will receive cash to offset Ichiro's salary. He is due the prorated amount of $17 million in the final season of a five-year, $90-million contract.

This marked the second time that the Yankees and Mariners swapped players this year. The Yankees sent catcher Jesus Montero to Seattle for pitcher Michael Pineda in the off-season.

Suzuki's entry will fill the Yankees' need for outfield depth with the injury of left fielder Brett Gardner, who will undergo arthroscopic elbow surgery. The Yankees have primarily used veterans Raul Ibanez and Andruw Jones in left field this season.

Ichico has four home runs and 28 RBIs from 105 hits in 95 games this season for the Mariners. He has a total of 3,811 hits in Japan and the US.

Mitchell, 25, has spent most of the season with Triple-A Scranton. He is 6-4 with a 5.04 ERA in 15 games this season at Triple-A. He also made four appearances in the Majors this season, posting a 3.86 ERA.

Farquhar has spent the 2012 season in the Minor League systems of three clubs, the Blue Jays, A's and Yankees. He has combined to go 2-3, with a 3.33 ERA and five saves in 32 games.

 

 

Mariners Trade Ichiro Suzuki to Yankees