Yankees Hot Stove: Ichiro Suzuki

English: Ichiro Suzuki on June 10, 2009. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) The New York Yankees signed 39-year old outfielder Ichiro Suzuki to a two-year deal somewhere between the $12-$13 million range. Ichiro was great for the Yankees last year, as he was traded over mid-season from the Mariners and was the only semi-productive player during the 2012 postseason. Many fans, including myself, are puzzled as to why Ichiro got a two-year deal when the new Yankees regime has been so tenacious about not spending any money or inking players to more than a season? The Yankees lost players this winter because of their unwillingness to budge, like starting catcher Russell Martin, ex-Angels Torii Hunter, and Eric Chavez. Last-year the 28-year old Martin hit 21 bombs, was great with the pitching staff and was solid a defensive catcher so why did he not get the same courtesy? Instead the Yankees just watched Martin stroll to Pittsburgh without even making him a counter-offer to the 2-year, $17 million...