Raul Ibanez agrees to $1.1 million deal with New York Yankees – MLB News
According to a reliable source, Raul Ibanez has agreed to a one year $1.1 million contract with New York Yankees. The outfielder will also be eligible for performance based incentives and bonuses, the source further added.
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman had been in talks with Ibanez for quite a few weeks. However, both parties were unable to finalise a deal due to some unknown reasons. Ibanez’s competitors for the available spot were free agents Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui.
The Yankees were looking for a left hand striker who could take advantage of Yankees’ ballpark dimensions. They also wanted someone who can deal with the right handed pitching effectively. Ibanez can prove to be an asset for the Yankees considering he is left handed and signed at a decent level. Although he is not a great fielder, he is experienced in playing at the outfield.
Ibanez posted decent hitting stats last season. Although his batting average fell to a poor .245, he hit 20 home-runs with 84 RBI’s. His OPS of .747 against right handed pitching was also quite decent. At the age of 39, he is more experienced than Damon and Matsui. His OPS of .833 at Pittsburgh Pirates’ hitter friendly ball park suggests that he can prove to be an asset in Yankees’ similar home conditions. The left handed slugger will be hoping to make the most of the hitter friendly conditions at Yankees’ home, especially against right handed throwers.
Although Ibanez did not give impressive results in the field last season, with some more work on his defensive game play, he can become a regular fielder for the Yankees. The fact Ibanez can play the field better than Damon and Mitsui seems to have played a key role for the Yankees in making their final decision.
Ibanez will be hoping to improve his batting average in the upcoming season. Undoubtedly, he has the ability to hit home-runs but performing under pressure will be key for him if he wants to be successful. Considering he is 39, the 2012 regular season can possibly be his last Major League Baseball season. He will be looking to end his career on a high note.
Tags: