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MLB execs torn over Ichiro's fit with Marlins

Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Ichiro Suzuki is poised to pen a new chapter in his storied career with the Miami Marlins in 2015, but some industry insiders remain ambivalent over his ability to contribute on the field and the impact he'll have in the clubhouse.

Suzuki signed a one-year, $2-million deal to serve as Miami's fourth outfielder this season  - a decidedly less glorious job than he's accustomed to - and some recently intimated that his ego may not jive with a marginal role.

"You hear both opinions," a National League talent evaluator told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. "You talk to people in Seattle, and it's, 'Selfish. Entourage. All about Ichiro.' Then you talk to people in New York, and they say, 'Constant professional. Accepts his role. Good teammate. Best friends with [Derek] Jeter.' They tell you [the Marlins] will have no problem."

Suzuki's pursuit of 3,000 hits looms large as another season nears, and though he's compiled a meager .275/.308/.353 (86 OPS+) since 2011, the 41-year-old remains durable with above-average speed and contact skills.

"We talk about guys who withstand Father Time," an AL executive said. "This guy doesn't get injured, and he takes tremendous care of himself with how he goes about everything. It's so structured and so perfect. His running ability hasn't dropped off, and his baseball intelligence is still extremely high. It's hard to really pinpoint what you're going to get, but is he capable of hitting in the .280 range, providing a stolen base threat and above-average defense? No question."

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