If the Phils are rumored to be interested in a free agent (no matter how far-fetched it sounds…) we are going to take a look him. Today’s candidate: Raul Ibanez.Positives:
Price – Ibanez made a modest $5.5 million in 2008, and at age 36, he can’t expect to get a longterm, high priced deal. It’s pure speculation, but 2 years at $10 per should get the job done.
He Can Hit – In the last eight seasons, Ibanez hasn’t hit less than .280, has hit 20+ homers five times, and driven in 100 four times.
Negatives:
Age – As I mentioned above, Ibanez is already 36 years old. Sure, he’s a spring chicken compared to Jamie Moyer, but I would be very hesitant to give a $20 million dollars to an old outfielder.
Lefty – The Phils have lefthanded power, but their righthanded power leaves with Burrell. Ibanez is a career .268 hitter against lefties, with a 3:1 strikeout to walk ratio, and only 34 career homers.
Type A – The Phils have an unprotected first round pick, and with Ibanez’s Type A status, they would lose that pick.
Overview:
I don’t think Ibanez would be a good play for the Phils. He’s old, he won’t come cheap (money and picks), and he doesn’t provide an option for the middle of the order when they are facing a tough lefty.
Corey
7 comments:
Happy birthday Shane Victorino- turns 28 today.
Ibanez is a good player and seems like a decent guy, but with the way the current Phils roster is constructed there simply is not a need for a player like Ibanez. If he were righthanded I'd consider it, but another lefthanded bat is dangerous.
i concur, good player, but not a fit for what the Phightin' need
Agreed. I'd much prefer to see Burrell signed instead.
Burrell is going to be expensive, too expensive in my opinion. I love him and want him back, but he'll be 33 next year and his game isn't improving.
From Zolecki:
The Phillies remain hopeful that Moyer will be back, but they have talked with the agents for free-agent righthanders Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett. Burnett has a good relationship with Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee, who coached him in Florida, and he lives in Monkton, Md. ... The Phils are looking for a utility infielder and have had discussions with Nick Punto, who played for them from 2001 to 2003. They also have some interest in free-agent reliever Juan Cruz and could be interested in David Weathers.
*He also mentions relief pitcher Doug Brocail, and outfielders Ibanez and Baldelli.
Baldelli would be good as long as they pick up another OF for insurance as he has risks. The Phils do have 3 Minor League OF'ers who are good but they are at least a 1/2 year away.
I was hearing about Lowe and Burnett also. If one of them came aboard then we would likely see a trade or 2 occur. They would end up with alot of starting pitching.
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