Melvin praises Ichiro for ever-expanding media

For more than two weeks, Bob Melvin has watched his right fielder steadily march toward history, and he has put off talking about Ichiro Suzuki.

On Wednesday, knowing Ichiro was three hits short of tying George Sisler’s single-season hits record, Melvin entertained questions from journalists from two continents.

“I see all our columnists, our television crews are here,” Melvin said. “Whenever Ichiro takes the field, I hear a lot of (camera) shutters.

“This record is every bit as important as the home run record. It’s held for 84 years. Unless Ichiro breaks it, it will stand for a long time.”

As talented as Ichiro is, Melvin said, one factor overlooked is his ability to stay healthy through 162 games.

“There were doubts when he first came over from Japan that he could play every day and not wear down,” Melvin said. “In my two years here, it’s never been an issue. He’s never needed a day off, physically.

“Mentally, we all get worn down.

“He’s playing the game at a different level. Ichiro goes 1 for 3, his average goes down. Since the All-Star Game, he’s hardly taken a bad swing.”

Before the game, Ichiro’s numbers since the All-Star break were phenomenal. He began the night batting .447 since the All-Star game - 100 points higher than any player in the American League over the same span.

“His routine and preparation before the game never changes,” Melvin said. “His disposition during games is the same whether he has one hit or five.

“After every at-bat, he’ll duck into the video room to watch how the pitcher pitched him, how the catcher set up. He wants to know, for instance, if the pitch was where the catcher called for it. That gives him an idea how they’re trying to pitch him.”