Outfield: Mets still Eyeing Raul Ibanez
In the Boston Globe, Nick Cafardo writes, “The Mets are still eyeing Mariners free agent Raul Ibanez.
Ibanez played in all 162 games this season, and hit .293 with 23 HR, 110 RBI and a .358 OBP.
He has hit at least .280 with 20 HR and a .350 OBP during each of the last four seasons with the Mariners.
According to Cafardo, “They need a consistent hitter in the outfield, and Ibanez seems to fit what Minaya is looking for.”
During last season’s trade deadline, ESPN’s Peter Gammons said the Mariners had been requesting two of Fernando Martinez, Jon Niese and Robert Parnell from the Mets in a deal for Ibanez.
…ibanez would help bring balance and consistency to the Mets lineup…for the most part, he hits roughly the same whether against lefties or righties, in april or september, with men on base or not on base…he’s not going to wow you day in and day out, but he’s reliable, consistent, will keep the line moving, and be a good supporting player to the middle of the lineup…at the same time, he’s 36 years old, which is a concern, especially if he’s looking for a three-year deal…
