English: 6/25/08 Seattle Mariners @ New York Mets. Ichiro Suzuki performs his batting ritual. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Hockey and baseball may not have a ton in common, but on this day, two of the most storied franchises in New York City were able to make a splash in acquiring some pretty marquee players.
The New York Yankees announced that they acquired 10-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove Award-winning outfielder Ichiro Suzuki to the roster. Suzuki had played his entire career with the Mariners and the combo of his consistent at-bats and speed both on the bases and in the field will be a big addition to the Bombers line-up.
As for the Rangers, they were able to finally acquire Rick Nash in a blockbuster deal. Nash who was the first overall selection in the 2002 NHL Draft is a two-time 40-goal scorer, has recorded 289 goals and 547 career points in 674 career games.
Nash will be the scoring touch that the Blueshirts have been looking for, as New York only averaged 2.15 goals per-game during the playoffs last season. The winger has had 30-plus goals in seven of nine NHL seasons, including 30 goals to go with 29 assist last season.
It should be interesting to see how both players to in the spotlight that is New York, will they thrive under the bright lights or wilt under the never ending demands and pressure that is the Big Apple. Only time will tell for Nash, as for Ichiro-he will get to make an impact a lot sooner.
The Yankees are expected to plug Ichiro, who will wear number 31, set to make his debut against the team in which he played for his whole career starting on Monday.