Raul Ibanez Trying To Make Phillies Forget Pat Burrell
Raul Ibanez has spent what seems like forever playing under the radar. Nobody really knew of his strong fielding and consistent batting while he played in the confines of one anemic offense after another throughout his career. Now, he has moved to the lofty perch of Philadelphia left fielder, and is part of one of the most powerful offenses in baseball. Raul Ibanez was brought in for two reasons. To keep the status quo on offense replacing Pat Burrell, and to upgrade the defense. Both are reasonable goals that Ibanez can reach.
Many do not realize the types of numbers that Ibanez has put up over the last several years. Consider that last season he hit .293 with 23 homers, and 110 RBIs even in an offense that struggled to score. Additionally, he has hit over 100 RBIs in three straight seasons. He has also topped 20 homers in four straight seasons. Not bad for a guy that the baseball world has largely ignored. Especially when you consider his power numbers should increase after leaving huge Safeco Field for the tiny Citizens Bank Park in Philly.
Though Ibanez is about to turn 37 this season, the Phillies do not expect that Ibanez will miss a beat in reaching these numbers. History would be on their side of the argument as well, as Ibanez is the picture of production over his career. The 6-2 Ibanez is in fantastic shape, and still gets to all the balls in the outfield that he should. With the adventure that was Pat Burrell in left field being the standard that he will be held to, Ibanez should be a huge upgrade defensively.
Offensively, Burrell was pretty much a one trick pony. He would knock the cover off the ball, and was a clutch player at times, but he was not exactly a good at bat the majority of the time. Ibanez should provide even better protection for Utley and Howard in the middle of the lineup. He is the perfect compliment to an offense that many might consider….perfect.
Regardless of how the Burrell loss plays out, Ibanez will be an asset to this Philly ball club. He is not only a fantastic fielder and batter, but a wonderful influence in the club house. In all the years he has been in the league, Ibanez has never been a problem. Philly could use a few of these types in the dugout, and it should only enhance a team that is ready to defend the Title.
