The Seattle Mariners have traded outfielder Ichiro Suzuki to the New York Yankees for two minor league pitchers.

Instead of moving from coast to coast, Ichiro went from clubhouse to clubhouse. The Yankees are in Seattle for a three game series. Ichiro will play right field for the injured Nick Swisher during this series but is expected to move to left field once Swisher returns to the lineup on Friday.

After collecting 200 plus hits in his first ten seasons, his offensive production has tailed off. Entering tonight, the 38-year old Ichiro was hitting .261 with 4 homeruns and 28 RBI.

I haven’t talked to my Dad but I have no doubt that he’s ecstatic about this trade. He has long called for the Yankees to acquire the services of Ichiro. The Mariners have not reached the post-season since Ichiro’s rookie season in 2001 when he won AL Rookie of the Year and AL MVP during the M’s 116 win season. Changing uniforms may recharge Ichiro’s batteries.

I can’t wait for Red Sox Nation to print “Ichiro Sucks” shirts.

UPDATE: Ichiro went 1 for 4 with a stolen base in his Yankees debut. The Yankees won the game 4-1 snapping a four game skid after being swept over the weekend by the upstart Oakland A’s.