BY SCOTT LAUBER
LAS VEGAS -- About to leave for the airport here, but we're hearing the Phillies have reached a three-year, $30 million agreement with free agent Raul Ibanez, pending a physical exam. Ibanez would replace Pat Burrell in left field. Awaiting confirmation from Ruben Amaro Jr.
More as it develops.
(Updated, 9:19 a.m. Eastern): Haven't heard from Amaro, but sources have confirmed that Ibanez, in fact, has signed with the Phillies. Ibanez is a Type A free agent, so the Phils will forfeit a first-round pick. Burrell made $14 million last season, so Ibanez's annual salary will be cheaper. Burrell is believed to be looking for a three-year contract. If he gets it, it won't be from the Phillies.
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I'm inclined towards optimism...Raul seems to be a better hitter than Burrell, and may be a beneficiary of moving from Safeco to CBP, and a historically terrible lineup to a very good lineup.
If its not an upgrade, its at least the same as Burrell. However, I'm inclined to lean towards upgrade as there is a really good chance Ibanez hits 280-290 avg AND hits 20 HR/100 RBI. The only downsides are not upgrading defense and adding another lefty. Hopefully his age doesn't start showing.
Honestly, I'm on the fence on this one. If the Phillies aren't done in terms of trying to add a right handed "middle of the order" type of bat then I'm fine with the signing. (If they happen to trade for Atkins for example). But if they're staying pat (an ironic expression), then I'm pessimistic here. He's a decent hitter, but doesn't fit the current lineup IMO.
Is he going to move more quickly out in left than Fatty Patty? at 36, I kind of doubt it, so let's hope his bat does the work.
Over the last two years, he has batted better against lefties than he has righties. Would still like to see a right handed bat added to the team. Now they have Dobbs, Stairs and Jenkins as outfield replacements......all lefties.
He will not come close to Burrell's production numbers.
Dumb move.
He will have a higher batting average, more doubles, more RBI's and a few less walks. He is a better player than Pat Burrell. He is a professional hitter. He will move runners and won't strike out when all he needs to do is put the bat on the ball. Burrell had empty numbers.
Amaro was suppose to be groomed by Ed Wade and refined by Pat Gillick ... but I gotta tell you this stinks like a complete Ed Wade bomb! Let's see we sign an aged corner outfielder for top dollar and forfeit a first round pick .... definately the markings of an Ed Wade move.
when you let a guy go, you're supposed to get better not worse. they're the same crappy fielder except pat has a better bat. and his 5 years younger. oh, and doesnt' cost a first round pick.
so we traded pat burrell for raul ibanez and a first round pick. only to save 4 million dollars a year.
we just won the world effin series. sold out 50 games last year, and will sell out more than that this year. PAYROLL IS SUPPOSED TO GO UP NOT DOWN.
STUPID EFFIN MOVE.
Jamie: I agree that it's hard to argue Ibanez/first-round pick for Burrell is a good trade. But I have to correct you on one point: Payroll will go up in '09. The Phillies' arbitration-eligible players (Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, Ryan Madson, Joe Blanton, Greg Dobbs, Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey and Eric Bruntlett) will command a cumulative raise of at least $20 million, perhaps $30 million. And that's just this year. If you want to keep the majority of those players, you'll have to pay their escalating salaries for the next few years. So, a $4 million annual savings for one player actually is more important than it may sound.
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