Daily Archives: December 12, 2008
The Phillies and outfielder Raul Ibanez have 
agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal, reports Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports.com.
According to Rosenthal, and multiple reports throughout the week, the Mets, Cubs, Nationals and Angels had also expressed interest in signing Ibanez.
In November, ESPN’s Jayson Stark wrote that at least 12 teams had been interested, including every team in the NL East.
On Tuesday, Rosenthal wrote that members of the Mets front office had been spotted meeting with Ibanez’s agents at a restaurant inside the Bellagio.
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.
Stark also quoted a team official as describing Ibanez by saying, “Character. Proven run producer. In better shape than a lot of 25-year-olds. And he’ll play hard every day, every game, every second he has the uniform on.”
In November, however, Rosenthal said Mets officials wanted to add ‘a right-handed bat,’ instead, adding, ‘The Mets are not high on Pat Burrell, and Ibanez is not an ideal fit.’
Tagged Phillies, Raul Ibanez |The Mets are pursuing free-agent Alex Cora to be their utility infielder, reports WEEI radio in Boston.
In 75 games for the Red Sox in 2008, the 33–year-old Cora hit .270 with a .371 OBP, while playing second base and shortstop.
In his 11–year career, he has played short, second, left field, third base and first base.
He is hitting .245 through 2,800 career at-bats.
…i actually don’t know much about cora…however, it’s pretty clear that Damion Easley is not coming back…and the Mets need some one to fill this role…i was hoping for Nick Punto, but he re-signed with the Twins yesterday…
…i know people will look at cora’s age, but you will he hard pressed to find a young utility infielder…i mean, any one young is probably still trying to be a starter…also, i believe it is wise to have a veteran in this bench, utility role, because of the steady-hand and experience he can provide…
…if they sign cora, fine…if not, i won’t lose sleep over it…these are the sort of acquisitions that do not come in to perspective until the season is under way…
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