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Trading for a player with 1-2 years left on their contract makes great sense for the 2012 M's precisely because of Ichiro's contract status. 18 million comes off the books after next year. That's money that can be used to extend the Matt Kemps or Ryan Zimmermans of the world.
Trading some prospect question marks for an all-star calibre player is exactly what Z should be looking to do - because of the money becoming available down the road. Target the guy you want, and take the one or two years to sell him on Seattle and an extension.
We've got plenty of young MLB ready replacement level players, bring me the stars.
- Ben.