Consider me surprised to hear this news: Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com reports that the Phillies have "expressed interest" in former Phillies outfielder and 2012 postseason hero Raul Ibañez:
Could #Yankees lose on Ibanez too? Source says #Mariners, #Rangers, #Phillies all have expressed interest.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 5, 2012
I'm surprised because the Phillies seem to have plenty left-handed bats already. Ibañez would becoming back as a plattoon player or bench player, not a starter, but it is still hard to figure out where he fits in with Domonic Brown already on the roster.
Which makes me wonder, could Brown be moved in a trade? Could Laynce Nix? If either is moved for another, more significant piece, it could make sense. If neither is moved, then I would think that Ibañez won't sign.
The other teams mentioned are the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers, where Ibañez could serve as an occasional designated hitter. Ibañez played with Seattle twice before, from 1996-2000 and then again 2004-2008.
I vote "yes" only so I can wear my Ibañez t-shirts and jersey again.
