New York Yankees Rumors: Looking to Re-Sign Raul Ibanez for DH Spot

Dec 19, 2012 12:01 PM EST
Raul Ibanez beats Red Sox
New York Yankees' Ibanez celebrates as he runs to first base after hitting game-winning walk-off single to beat Boston Red Sox in 12th inning in MLB game in New York"

The New York Yankees have their starting pitchers, third baseman, Ichiro in the outfield and now they are seeking a designated hitter and Raul Ibanez appears to be their man. 

Ibanez would serve solely as the DH for the Yankees in 2013. He is 40 years old, but at one point seemed to be the only Yankee player to be making solid contact as the rest of the team was silenced by a massive slump that took over the team during the playoffs. 

Ibanez hit 19 home runs in the regular season, but his three postseason home runs gave the Yankees life every single time. The first two came in Game 3 against the Baltimore Orioles in the ALDS. The first one tied it in the Bottom of the 9th, while the second gave them the victory and a 2-1 series lead. 

The third homer came in an impressive Game 1 of the ALCS against the Detroit Tigers. Again, the Yankees with their backs against the wall, relied on their veteran hitter Ibanez to come through. He sent one over the right-field fence to tie the score and push the game into extras.

If the Yankees need a DH, it would be foolish not to be interested in signing Ibanez after proving clutch in the postseason. 

However, the Yankees seem to be digging themselves deeper and deeper with this budget they have set up. They have no proven prospects they are willing to trust in the mmajor league level forcing them to rely on guys who are aging and willing to take a pay cut. 

Last on the Yankees' shopping list is a right-handed outfielder, possibly to platoon with Brett Gardner in left field. 

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