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it is tough to swing the bat with authority while battling a torn pectoral muscle. He does take a mighty cut. They said the injury didn't affect his swing. Really? I don't buy that 100%.
Vlad BB/K looks like it fell off a cliff in 2009 (19/56) but he only had 3 IBB walks this year. Opponents knew he might sinlge, but weren't as concerned with him crushing the ball. Add another 10-15 IBB and things don't look so scary. His worst year by far in a decade and still OPS 794.
Still capable of playing RF if Gutz needs a day off put Ichiro in center. Probably no worse than Manny in LF.
Our cleanup hitter for the next 3-4 years is just sitting there waiting to be signed for a bargain.