Earlier this week, Seattlest was doing some Mariner fear-mongering:

Rumors abound early this week concerning a most ghastly notion, a dark vision that has kept us sleepless: reportedly, both the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies called Mariners GM Bill Bavasi over the weekend to inquire about a potential trade for Ichiro.

Dave Cameron and Bill Bavasi (from my Flickr archives)

The problem is, well, the rumor wasn’t exactly true, at least not according to Dave “I swear he’s Bill Bavasi in a cost accountant suit and yes I’ve seen them in the same room together” Cameron of USS Mariner:

It really depends on what you classify as a rumor. Yes, the M’s called Houston about Roy Oswalt. Once Tim Purpura mentioned Ichiro, the talks ended.

To me, that’s not a rumored deal, or even something worth publishing. The M’s weren’t shopping Ichiro, he wasn’t available, and trading him was never a possibility.

So, Ichiro wasn’t on his way out for anyone, and the M’s aren’t stupid — Ichiro means billions of yen in merchandising income and Japanese TV exposure. His presence helped the M’s sign Hasegawa and Johjima, and his presence may help the M’s win the potential bidding war with the Yankees should Daisuke Matsuzaka get posted.

So, don’t believe Seattlest — Ichiro is here at least through next summer (when his contract runs out).

Honestly, I think we, the Metblogs people need to take them down. I think we need a pub quiz showdown. Or a dance-off.

Related posts:

1. Ichiro to Mariners: You suck, I’m gone
2. Ichiro to Mariners: You suck, I’m gone (again)
3. Sore de kimatta! Ichiro inked through 2012
4. An Open Letter To Seattlest
5. Oh look, Seattlest wants to be a Heat Miser