December 16, 2008 Outfielder Raul Ibanez has officially signed a three-year, $31.5 million deal with the Phillies, MLB.com confirms. "Raul not only brings a big bat to our lineup, but also a terrific attitude to the clubhouse," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. says.
Our View:Ibanez will replace Pat Burrell in left field and as protection for Ryan Howard. The Phillies lineup now features three left-handed bats in the 3-4-5 spots, but the Chase Utley-Howard-Ibanez trio is pretty darn good. Raul should continue to be a solid fantasy outfielder following this move.
December 12, 2008 Raul Ibanez has agreed to a three-year deal worth $30 million to play for the Phillies, according to ESPN.
Our View:Philadelphia was believed to be his preferred destination, and Ibanez should be a strong replacement in the outfield for Pat Burrell. Ibanez's power numbers should benefit from leaving Safeco for launching pad Citizens Bank Park.
December 11, 2008 The Phillies have raised their interest in adding Raul Ibanez, according to ESPN. Talks between the Phillies and Ibanez's reps are reportedly "heating up," and the two sides are making progress.
Our View:It is also believed that Philadelphia is Ibanez's preferred destination, possibly because Pat Gillick and assistant GM Benny Looper know him from their time in Seattle.
December 11, 2008 Jayson Stark of ESPN reports that Raul Ibanez is the Angels' top choice if they are unable to re-sign Mark Teixeira.
Our View:It is also believed that the Angels started negotiating the parameters of a deal with Ibanez, just in case. Ibanez averages 24 homers and 105 RBI over his last four campaigns with Seattle, and would help ease the loss of Teixeira in the heart of the Angels' lineup.
December 10, 2008 Raul Ibanez could be an option for the Angels if they fail to retain Mark Teixeira and lose Garret Anderson and Juan Rivera in free agency, according to the Hot Stove Blog on MLB.com.
Our View:Ibanez would help fill the void in the sweet spot of the Angels' order left by Teixeira (and Anderson), as he averages 24 homers and 105 RBI over his last four campaigns with Seattle. He is also notably a .358 career hitter at Angel Stadium.
