Ichiro Suzuki, playing with the Seattle Mariners' in spring training in this March 4, 1999 file photo, fouls off a ball in a game in Peoria, Ariz. The Seattle Mariners won the rights on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2000, to negotiate with Suzuki, Japan's seven-time batting champion, with a high bid of $13,125,000. The Orix BlueWave, Suzuki's team in Japan, accepted the offer, a day after bidding closed among the 30 major league teams. Seattle has 30 days to negotiate a contract with Suzuki, and the Mariners pay the fee to Orix only if they sign Suzuki. If Suzuki doesn't sign, he will remain in Japan for at least one more season. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)