Ichiro Suzuki in the Orange and Black?

It’s no secret the New York Yankees have a packed outfield. With the addition of Jacoby Ellsbury to the Yankees outfield, along with Brett Gardner, Alfonso Soriano, and Vernon Wells, there doesn’t seem to be much space left for Ichiro Suzuki and the Yankees could be looking to trade him.

Sep 3, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Ichiro Suzuki before the game against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that Ichiro ending up in San Francisco may still be in the cards.

"Ichiro, who can still play defense but can’t hit at the level he used to, could be a functional player for someone. The Giants always remain a possibility."

Obviously the Giants would like a left fielder who can hit and play defense, but given they may not have much money left to spend after solidifying their rotation and locking up Hunter Pence, the options are limited.

Ichiro hit just .262 last season with 7 home runs and 35 RBIs in 150 games. Gregor Blanco on the other hand hit .265 with 3 home runs and 41 RBIs in 141 games. However, we know Ichiro can’t hit like he used to. He only committed 3 errors last season, all in right field, and 0 in left field or center field. Blanco on the other hand committed 6 errors, with 4 of those coming from left field. Mike Morse, while he had a down season last year, should still be counted on for more productivity and home runs than either Blanco or Ichiro.

Ichiro will some with a little bit of a cost, but loads of experience in the outfield. He could fill the role as a defensive replacement for Morse in late innings, or as a backup plan if Morse isn’t healthy.

Personally, I see some benefit to having a guy like Ichiro on your team, even if on the bench. We also know how much Bruce Bochy likes veteran players. However, even give that Ichiro could be some of benefit, I’m not sure it’s the right fit for what he may be wanting. Of course, at 40 years old, his options could be limited.

I’d be happy to see him in San Francisco…if it comes at the right price and right understanding of his role. I’m really over the platoon in left field, but with what we have now, I’m not convinced Morse is the right guy for the job either.

What do you think?