Ichiro's hit parade

Alan Schwarz has a piece on ESPN on how Ichiro is on pace to break George Sisler’s record of 257 hits in a season. Schwarz notes that this could be because of sheer volume - because he doesn’t walk (doesn’t matter, the man still has a .413 OBP), Ichiro’s on pace for 708 at bats, which itself would be a record - and adds that this is one bright spot in the Mariners’ dismal season. But actually, thinking about it, isn’t it the Mariners’ dismal season that’s giving Ichiro a chance to rap out 257 hits? If your home record is lousy, it creates more chances for you to bat in the 9th inning…