Dec 12 2008
Phillies and Ibanez Agree
It was reported early on Friday morning that the Phillies and free agent outfielder Raul Ibanez have agreed to a three year, $30 million deal.
This signals the end of Pat Burrell’s tenure in Philadelphia.
Ibanez, after passing a physical, will become the Phillies everyday left fielder, replacing Burrell.
Ibanez hit .293 with 23 homeruns and 110 RBIs in 2008 for the dismal Seattle Mariners. He is familiar with outgoing GM Pat Gillick from their days together in Seattle.
He also posted a .358 on-base percentage and a .472 slugging percentage in 2008.
He spent the previous five years in Seattle. Ibanez is a left handed hitter that will be added to an already potent left handed hitting lineup.
Ibanez drew interest from the Mets, Angels, Cubs and Braves.
He is one of only five outfielders in the Majors to drive in 100 runs or more in each of the past three seasons.
The other four outfielders are Magglio Ordonez, Bobby Abreu, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Lee.
