The New York Yankees might be one of the hottest teams in the MLB right now but the decline of Ichiro Suzuki's play isn't helping them from securing the top spot in the American League East.
Suzuki, who's known for his consistency and efficiency at the plate, is currently having by far the worst season in his baseball career. Suzuki is batting .251 with two homers, eight RBIs and 32 hits over 38 games (137 at-bats).
The 38-year old Suzuki isn't any longer the same player that used to produce at least 200 hits and 40 RBIs per season. The sad part is there seems no solution to Suzuki's current funk and apparently his days in professional baseball are numbered.
Meanwhile, the Yankees continue to play solidly despite the lack of help from Suzuki and a handful of injured players. New York is currently sitting at the top of AL East with a 26-16 slate, above rival Boston Red Sox (24-17), Baltimore Orioles (23-17), Tampa Bay Rays (20-20) and the disappointing Toronto Blue Jays (17-25)
Robinson Cano has been phenomenal at the plate for the pinstripes, batting .291 with 10 homers, 27 RBIs and 23 runs. Moreover, Hiroki Kurado emerged as a new dominant weapon on the mound for the Yankees, collecting six wins with a 1.99 ERA.
Of course, Yankees' Mario Rivera is turning back the time and doesn't even look like a player set to retire after this season.
As for Suzuki, this year's struggle could be the start of the end for one of the greatest international talents who ever played on American soil.
After breaking a number of batting records - including 10 consecutive season with at least 200 hits, MLB's single-season record for hits (262) -, it looks like the time has come for the former American League MVP to finally put the exclamation mark on his stellar baseball career.
Suzuki's accomplishment both as a player and ambassador for the game is simply remarkable to the extent that he deserves to be a first-ballot member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
For now, it would be wise to relish Suzuki's playing days while it lasts.