Originally published Friday, November 3, 2006 at 12:00 AM

Ichiro's switch golden

Ichiro spent the final six weeks of his 2006 season standing, sprinting and even diving — yes, contrary to popular rumor, he does...

By Geoff Baker

Seattle Times staff reporter

Talk about the team in Mariners forum

Ichiro spent the final six weeks of his 2006 season standing, sprinting and even diving — yes, contrary to popular rumor, he does occasionally leave his feet — on unfamiliar ground in center field.

But the position switch over from right did nothing to change the way opposing managers and coaches view Ichiro's defense. That sentiment was confirmed Thursday as the Mariners star was awarded his sixth consecutive American League Gold Glove.

It marked the 20th consecutive season a Mariners player has received the honor, the longest active streak in the majors. The latest Gold Glove for Ichiro comes at a critical time for the franchise in which the versatility of his defense might help the team escape last place.

Seattle has been hampered by an offense short on power, sacrificing much of it in right field to accommodate Ichiro's unique ability to generate in excess of 200 hits — mostly singles — and 100 runs scored on an annual basis. But when the team approached Ichiro this fall about a permanent position switch to center, hoping it could import an additional power bat for the corner outfield, he agreed.

The 33-year-old was fifth in the AL with a .992 fielding percentage with only three errors in 376 chances, playing 121 games in right, 39 in center.

Seattle's streak of Gold Glove awards began with pitcher Mark Langston back in 1987.

Geoff Baker: 206-464-8286 or gbaker@seattletimes.com

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