(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ichiro Suzuki, Ken Griffey Jr., and Russell Branyan held a press conference on Wednesday to announce the founding of a new Major League Baseball franchise, the Seattle Offense, which will start play in early July.
Major League Baseball confirmed the announcement, explaining the circumstances which allowed the three players to bypass most regulations concerning expansion franchises.
"Ichiro pitched the team to me two weeks ago," Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig told the press.
"And it's fairly clear-cut. We are granting Ichiro, Ken, and Russell a new franchise based on a 'talent grievance' they filed against their current ball club."
According to Selig, the three players have statistically proven that, while they remain under contract with the Seattle Mariners, the offensive production from their Mariners teammates has crippled their potential for success.
The talent grievance specifically cited the offensive production of current Mariners Mike Sweeney, Yuniesky Betancourt, and Kenji Johjima. The report also included a retroactive claim against former Mariner Richie Sexson.
Selig showed nothing but confidence in the new franchise.
"The bottom line is this: Ichiro Suzuki, Ken Griffey Jr., and Russell Branyan could give the city of Seattle some form of offensive production," Selig concluded.
"And believe me, that city needs it."
Seattle Offense officials confirmed on Wednesday that former Mariners bullpen coach Norm Charlton has been named as the team's first manager.
Griffey Jr. told the press that the decision was easy to make, citing the need for a coach who could demonstrate business aspects upfront but carefree aspects in back.
"I played with Norm in the mid-1990s," Griffey recalled. "I've seen the mullet in action, and believe me when I say it is 'fierce'."
Charlton had nothing but high hopes for the upcoming season.
"It's exciting," Charlton said at the press conference on Wednesday. "The guys and I have a chance to do something that Seattle fans are dying to see; score a lot of runs!
"Let's put it this way," Charlton added, "We might even finish better than dead last in total runs scored."
Despite his initial excitement about the job opportunity, Charlton is aware there are necessary roster moves on the horizon.
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