Mariners officially announce Raul Ibanez deal
SEATTLE (AP) - The Seattle Mariners have officially announced their $2.75 million, one-year deal with outfielder Raul Ibanez, returning the veteran to where he began his major league career in 1996.
Seattle made the move official Wednesday after clearing a spot on its 40-man roster by designating for assignment right-handed pitcher D.J. Mitchell, who was acquired from the New York Yankees in the trade last July for Ichiro Suzuki.
The deal allows Ibanez to earn an additional $1.25 million in performance bonuses. This will be his third stint with the Mariners, after rejoining them from 2004-08.
Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik says the team wanted to add veteran leadership in the offseason, and Ibanez provides that. The 40-year-old Ibanez hit .240 with 19 homers and 62 RBIs in 384 at-bats for the Yankees last season.
Seattle made the move official Wednesday after clearing a spot on its 40-man roster by designating for assignment right-handed pitcher D.J. Mitchell, who was acquired from the New York Yankees in the trade last July for Ichiro Suzuki.
The deal allows Ibanez to earn an additional $1.25 million in performance bonuses. This will be his third stint with the Mariners, after rejoining them from 2004-08.
Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik says the team wanted to add veteran leadership in the offseason, and Ibanez provides that. The 40-year-old Ibanez hit .240 with 19 homers and 62 RBIs in 384 at-bats for the Yankees last season.
This is nothing more than a warm and fuzzy feel good signing giving Ibanez an opportunity to retire here.  This team needs WINS, this signing doesn't do that.
Guy can barely hit righthanders anymore. Â I guess he makes for a decent PH. Forget the lefties tho---under the Mendoza line last yr. I wont even bring up his defense(there isnt any).
I think it's a good addition. The Mariners still need some bats sorely but Raul will provide leadership to the young ballclub.
Hey, how about the youth movement these M's got going aye...
It will be nice to have him back. He will make a good captian in the dugout.