I dunno about "fielding holes" Ichiro is a Gold Glove right fielder who has a cannon for an arm. He is by trade a center fielder who was squeezed to right.

Yes, he doesn't walk alot (30 BBs), but you are only looking at half the story there... he is a contact hitter. If you look, you'll notice that he also does not strike out alot (53 K in 692 AB). He almost always puts the ball in play - something wonderful to behold. And struggles versus left-handers? If .343 versus lefties is struggling, then most major leagures are dying versus lefties. Note that you failed to mention that he hits .396 versus righthanders - which make up the majority of major league starters.

Also notice that he stole 56 bases last year (that's right, he stole more bases than he struck out at the plate). He is an extreme threat on the basepaths, and many of his singles are of the infield nature.

Finally, remember that this is not just a single season set of stats for Ichiro. Ichiro is a 9 year veteran who has always performed at this level.

I for one an extremely happy to have secured him in the W9 draft at #2!

RobG
W9 - Port Huron