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After Japan decided to participate 2006 World Baseball Classic, next big question is, “Will Ichiro Suzuki Play?
All Star Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki likes the idea of Japan competing in the World Baseball Classic next spring, but still doesn’t know if he would accept an invitation to play after NPB and NPBPA received invitation. Ichiro said through interpreter, “It’s a good opportunity for people to watch baseball from an international aspect, a chance for them to see different countries involved. We’ll have to see what happens.”
The Mariners right fielder mention he would wait and see how many Major League players from other countries, including Japan, would commit to the event before deciding whether to play. “Until now, I have not given it much thought. I will think more about it now and see what happens. A lot would depend on who would be on the teams.”
As for Seattle Mariners reliever Shigetoshi Hasegawa, who expected to become a free agent after World Series, also likes the thought of World Baseball Classic. He wants to play for the Japanese team, but isn’t sure he would be invited.
“I don’t think I am good enough,” Hasegawa said, “so I doubt that I would be asked to play. I would want to, but it’s not an easy answer right now. I don’t know if they would ask me.” “It’s a good thing for fans and I just hope they get to see the best players from all the countries. I would want to watch that.”
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