Well, I figure I better write something because some of you are getting worried! I could make up some excuse about my computer or fingers getting frostbite at Safeco Field, but the truth of the matter is that I had a couple of days off and since then I flat out haven’t felt like writing! Since I am not really a writer I do not have to write and I am not in the habit of writing every day. My first priority is what I do for the pre and post games on the radio. I usually write during the game and there are some days where I would just rather relax and watch the game. So no excuses, that is just how it is for me.

All that said, I will try not to have long breaks like I did last week. I have been scrambling to get caught up with everything since returning from spring training. We have only been home 8 days since so there has been a lot to get done. I really have yet to get into a routine for the regular season and short 3 and 5 day homestands have not helped. People always comment to me that all the travel must be hard. The travel is actually easy because everything is taken care of. It is the home part that is tough. I have to pack, take care of bills, appointments and whatnot. I have to find time for family and friends, show my face at the office and hand in expense reports etc. etc. etc. The road part is easy. Once the plane is up in the air, there is not much more I can do! I just have to get myself to the park by 3:30 and do my job.

I am not complaining, just explaining because a lot of people ask. On to more important matters. Like Ichiro’s wardrobe. I am sure you know by now that Ichiro is into fashion and doesn’t dress like your everyday ball player. Well the last couple of days there has been an addition to his wardrobe. After batting practice he has been seen sitting at his locker in a white warmup suit with navy block accents and small navy stars on the pant legs. Since he was impossible to miss in the suit I figured he wanted to be asked about it so I did.

Turns out that Ichiro’s older brother has for a long time been a designer of hip hop clothing. His label is called Suw (pronounced Sue) and has been seen at many hip hop events in this country. When Ichiro first arrived in the US he often said that he was a fan of hip hop. Things have changed since. “Our taste is completely different.” he told me. “When I was about 18-26 I used to wear those kinds of clothes. I would definitely say that he has had an influence in that interest I have had, but ever since I got married my taste has changed in clothes.”

Why you might ask? Well that’s what I am here for, and I did.

“When you are single you do whatever you like but once you are married you start thinking about how your wife is going to be looked at also. That’s why I changed my image. I think that is one of the things you have to do as a husband.”

I asked if he was proud of his brother and his accomplishments. Interestingly enough Ichiro laughed as he answered and I am not sure why but here is what he had to say. “It’s a hard question to answer. I don’t know if I can say that I am proud of him or that he needs those words but I can definitely say that I like my brother. You know I am not wearing this because my big brother made it for me, I’m wearing it because it looks good. That’s my personality. My brother knows that just because he makes something for me I am not going to be wearing it.”

With the importance that Ichiro puts on excellence, I have no doubt that he wants his brother to give his best effort in what he does and would not want his brother or anyone else to think that he was giving him a boost or extra publicity by wearing one of his designs. Still, he was happy to talk about it, and I think, despite what he said, he was wearing it proudly.

Interestingly enough Ichiro does not think San Francisco is a great shopping town. I disagree, but I don’t think we are shopping in the same stores! Weather has been great here. For some reason it seems like it is always warmer here in April than it is in June. Clubhouse has been very upbeat. Dominoes have made a reappearance with Beltre, Betancourt and Silva being the headline attraction in that game. Roy Corcoran, who may be one of the funniest Mariners to come along in a long time (the accent alone puts him near the top) has been taking grief for his haircut and glasses. Arthur has fit right back in and it is obvious the pen guys love him, and he loves being the ring leader. A cute sight today was seeing pretty much the entire bullpen walking down Stockton in their dark getaway suits with Arthur leading the way to catch the BART to the park. No, they didn’t stand out at all!

JJ by the way has looked good in all of the work he has been doing to get back. He will throw a simulated game on Saturday, then my guess would be that if all looked good he could be available as early as Tuesday. Bedard will throw a pen tomorrow.

I have got to run down to do a victory interview. Talk to you from Anaheim!