Ichiro wants to stay a Yankee, Pettitte news

According to sources, Ichiro Suzuki has been contacted by many teams who are interested in his services for the 2013 season. However, the right fielder wants to stay with the Yankees. He liked the professionalism and maturity of the Yankees clubhouse, something he was not accustomed to in Seattle. Ichiro would certainly be welcome back in the Bronx as their every day right fielder if he plays like he did down the stretch. However, if he returns to his pre-second half form and hits for a low average with little power it could mean trouble for the Yankees. If he does sign with the Yankees, the Yankees would probably have an outfield consisting of Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson and Ichiro Suzuki.

There have been minor rumblings about a Granderson trade this off-season. The center fielder had career highs in home runs last year while having an awful year at the plate in terms of consistency. He struck out over 200 times between the regular season and postseason which is a major red flag about what kind of hitter he has become. With one year left on his contract and the Yankees unlikely to resign him for 2014 and beyond, I would be open to a trade to acquire a right handed outfield bat with power. Justin Upton's name has been in trade talks this off season, but after an off-year in 2012, his bat may be a concern for the Yankees. Also, if the Yankees do sign Ichiro for 2013, they will have an outfield consisting of three lefty bats. The Yankees need a powerful right handed bat in that lineup to replace Nick Swisher. Also, Alex Rodriguez has not been a major home run threat lately so they have been very vulnerable against lefty pitchers recently.

Also, the Yankees are awaiting a decision on Andy Pettitte about his plans to pitch in 2013. The veteran lefty should be making a decision in the coming days regarding his future in pinstripes but all indications are that Pettitte will want to return after starting a handful of games in his injury shortened 2012 season. He has already begun his off-season workouts to see how his body responds. If Pettitte returns to the rotation, the Yankees will have a formidable top three.