Mariners Analysis

Monday, June 13, 2005

Should've rested Ichiro

I said earlier in the season Hargrove needs to rest his veterans from time to time and use his bench to keep them sharp. I don't believe an aging team that travels as much as the M's can afford to have their regulars play more than 155 games a season. You don't just rest them when they are tired- you rest so they don't GET tired.

With Ichiro struggling, it is such an easy call. Sit him.

Sit him for a couple of games over a week. When Ichiro stops hitting singles, his value to the club drops. Sitting even stars when they are struggling sends a message to the rest of the team; namely, the team takes priority over the interests of the individual.

Sure, Boone may WANT to play everyday, but that doesn't mean he should. I am troubled it took Hargrove this long to sit him, but we knew coming in he likes to play a set lineup.

I hope Hargrove realizes his mistake and adjusts his thinking.