Looking for one more bat to fill out their lineup, the New York Yankees appear to have zeroed in on former Phillie outfielder Raul Ibanez.
The Yankees are seeking a left-handed hitter and other possibilities have included Eric Chavez and ex-Yankees Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon. But Ibanez appears to be their best option for an outfielder because he could occasionally play left field and the Yanks are unsure if Matsui or Damon can. The decision may come down to whether the team wants an extra infielder in Chavez or outfielder in Ibanez.
Ibanez has received interest from several teams and is believed to have received higher offers than the deal being discussed with the Yankees. But Ibanez, who turns 40 in June, apparently would prefer to play for a contender in what could be the final season of his career.
The durable Ibanez had 20 home runs, 32 doubles and 84 RBI in 144 games last season as the Phillies’ regular left fielder. He batted .245 with a .289 on-base percentage and a .419 slugging percentage. He has had at least 30 doubles in 10 straight seasons and at least 20 home runs in six of the last seven years. In a 16-year career that’s seen him have two stints with the Mariners and also play for Kansas City and Philadelphia, Ibanez has 252 home runs.
Ibanez joined the Phillies three seasons ago, just after the team won the 2008 World Series. While he didn’t get a championship ring during his time in the City of Brotherly Love, he did get his first invite to the All-Star Game in 2009.
Look for something to happen soon as the Yankees’ pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Tampa in less than two weeks. Both manager Joe Girardi and general manager Brian Cashman have expressed a desire to add another bat to the lineup following the trade of catcher/DH Jesus Montero to the Seattle Mariners in January for pitcher Michael Pineda.
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