Philadelphia Phillies: It’s Time for Raul Ibanez to Take a Seat on the Bench
June 22, 2011 by Jason Amareld
Filed under Fan News
In a 2-2 game in the top of the eighth inning with the St. Louis Cardinals, the bases were loaded with one out. To no one’s surprise, Raul Ibanez struck out swinging and made his way back to the bench, where he should stay for the remainder of the season. Ibanez also grounded into an inning-killing double play in the top of the second inning.
At this point in his career, Raul is not helping this team at all anymore. It seems he is almost an automatic out every time he comes to the plate. He is truly terrible to watch.
His batting average has dropped to .240 and shows no signs of climbing. He also has trouble getting on base; his on-base percentage is at a pathetic .290. Ibanez is on pace to strike out 125 times this season, hit 18 home runs and only drive in 70 runs. Another quick fact: Ibanez is batting even worse with runners in scoring position at .232.
Ibanez may be the worst defensive left fielder in all of Major League Baseball. He has absolutely no range and has the arm of a high school player. He has three outfield assists this season. When a ball is hit in the left-center gap, I just pray that Shane Victorino can make it to the ball in time.
Raul’s age is clearly catching up to him, and he can no longer compete as an everyday major league player. Ibanez just turned 39.
I hope this becomes a lesson for Ruben Amaro Jr.: Never, ever sign a player over the age of 35 to a multi-year deal. It ends in disaster, especially when you are playing him over $12 million at age 39. What was he thinking?
It is imperative that Philadelphia makes a move for another outfielder before the July trade deadline. Ibanez, Ben Francisco and Domonic Brown are all struggling, and if the Phillies want to compete in October, they need to balance their lineup with someone who can hit at least .265 or better with some power. It seems none of these three players can do that at this point in their careers.
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