Phillies Get Raul Ibanez

Jayson Stark of ESPN, is reporting that the Phillies have signed Raul Ibanez to a three-year contract

He writes,

The Phillies have agreed to a three-year contract with free-agent outfielder Raul Ibanez, pending a physical. The deal is believed to be worth $30 million over three years.

Ibanez hit .293 with 23 HR, 110 RBI and a .358 OBP at Safeco Field, a notorious pitcher’s park. He also played in all 162 games last season.

He is one of just five outfielders who have driven in at least 100 runs in each of the last three seasons.

I’m guessing he could easilly top 30 homeruns in that bandbox they play half their games in.

Just what the Phillies needed… Another hard-nosed gritty player with a clutch bat who is a clubhouse leader.

The deal signals the end of the road for Pat Burrell and the Phillies.

So lets see…

They now have a lineup that features Shane Victorino, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, and Ryan Howard. Hmm…

Maybe now the Mets will focus their attention on Bobby Abreu and who knows, “Pat the Bat” as well.