Wayne: Have there been any negative or questioning press comments about Ichiro's (Suzuki) recent slump in batting here in Seattle? From my perspective it almost looks like he might be hiding a health problem; he seems to have no fire in the belly and is almost running on empty, so to speak. Also, do you think (Yomiuri Giants slugger Hideki) Matsui will head to the U.S. and most likely the New York Yankees? -- Don Green, Seattle
Don: I have not heard anything about Ichiro being ill or injured. I think, as you said, it was just a slump that took his batting average from .350 to .320, and I believe he and all the Mariners players may have gotten somewhat discouraged when the Oakland A's went through that 20-game winning streak and the Mariners' post-season appearance chances began slipping away. (If a slump indicates a sickness, the New York Mets have an epidemic with several players who have been in 'poor health' all season.) My answers to your second question are yes and yes.
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