From Lester's bounce pass to Ichiro's return to M's, interesting camp angles abound

Dipoto on Ichiro's leadership PEORIA, Ariz. -- For those assuming the Mariners signed Ichiro Suzuki strictly as a tip of the cap to their former star or as some sort of marketing stunt, think again. General manager Jerry Dipoto didn't sign the 44-year-old to sit on the bench.

Speaking on his latest Wheelhouse Podcast, recorded shortly after Ichiro's introductory news conference on Wednesday, Dipoto expanded on how the Mariners plan to deploy the man who spent much of last year in a pinch-hitting and part-time role with the Marlins.

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Dipoto noted that Ichiro's agent, John Boggs, approached him shortly after last season ended about a potential reunion, but there was no fit…