The Mariners "just dropped their newest, freshest batch of ads" ahead of the '19 season according to Michael Clair of MLB.com. This year's spots feature P Yusei Kikuchi making his "commercial debut long before his regular-season one as he joins the other southpaws for a day of crafty-lefty arts and crafting." One ad shows RF Mitch Haniger making a "new friend after falling into the stands to make a catch," and CF Mallex Smith getting to "show off his unbelievable speed." Meanwhile, 2B Dee Gordon even "got a pit crew to help him out at third base" (MLB.com, 3/6). In Tacoma, Andrew Hammond notes the new ads were scheduled to begin airing yesterday on Root Sports Northwest before the team's game against the A's. As in years past, the commercials are the "result of a creative collaboration" between the Mariners and Copacino+Fujikado, Seattle. The new spots were "shot on location" in Peoria, Ariz., at the team's Spring Training complex (Tacoma NEWS TRIBUNE, 3/7).
HOMECOMING HERO: The AP's Tim Booth noted Mariners RF Ichiro Suzuki is "returning home" to Japan later this month for what "could be a farewell to his Hall of Fame career." There is "no question" Suzuki will be on the Mariners' roster for the two games in Japan on March 20-21. After that trip, there have been "no promises about what, if any, role Suzuki will have with the team." This may have "only heightened the anticipation for seeing what happens in Japan knowing this could be the career finale" for Suzuki. Mariners Exec VP & GM Jerry Dipoto: "This provides us with an opportunity to pay tribute to Ichiro, to his career, and to all that he's been to this franchise, and really to international baseball. It seems the right thing to do for everybody" (AP, 3/6).
