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May 16, 2006

Raul Ibanez

From the Post:

But even with Jaret Wright back in the rotation and Carl Pavano perhaps two rehab starts away, the Yankees remain as interested in trading for another starter as for a left fielder.

Brad Wilkerson, Raul Ibanez, Alfonso Soriano, Torii Hunter, Reggie Sanders Aubrey Huff, Craig Wilson and Shannon Stewart are all on the list, one that shortens considerably when you count left fielders actually obtainable for Wright, Pavano and their big tickets. But eventually the Yankees are going to have to do something.

This is not the first time that Ibanez' name has come up. In fact, back on December 12th of last year it was rumored that the Yankees wanted him and I wrote:

Raul Ibanez (in 2006) could be a very useful player for the Yankees - playing some DH and backing up at 1B and the OF.

But, here's the rub now: On March 1st of this year, Ibanez signed a two-year extension to his current deal - that keeps him under contract through the 2008 season (when he will be 36-years-old).

We already know that the Yankees are going to be a very old team in 2008. Is there any reason to add another old-timer to the pile? Yes, Ibanez will make less than $6 million a year on his current deal. But, at some point, you can't just eat the contract of all your Grey Beards.

Based on that March 1st extension, I think you have to pass on Ibanez - even though he's a New York kid and the Yankees have the need now.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at May 16, 2006 01:19 PM

Comments

I have Ibanez on my fantasy team and he's killing me. That's reason enough to not go after him...

Posted by: Mike A. [TypeKey Profile Page] at May 16, 2006 04:46 PM