Ichiro Suzuki transitioning to front office with Mariners

Seattle • Ichiro Suzuki is leaving the playing field and transitioning into a front office role with the Seattle Mariners, although he is not completely shutting the door on playing again.The Mariners announced Thursday that Suzuki was becoming a special assistant to the chairman effective immediately. The team said Suzuki will have an active presence with the team and assist with outfield play, base running and hitting.But nowhere in the announcement do they say the 44-year-old is retiring