Is Raul Ibanez A Better DH Option For the New York Yankees Than Johnny Damon?
Last week I talked about how I am not a fan of the New York Yankees signing Johnny Damon to fill their DH vacancy. Nothing has changed with my feelings on that issue, but new possibilities have emerged since then. Raul Ibanez is among them as he and the New York Yankees apparently have mutual interest. Do I like the idea of Raul Ibanez in the Bronx any more than Johnny Damon? Eh, not particularly. Honestly I would probably say that the two are pretty evenly matched in my eyes. Johnny Damon is familiar with New York and a good portion of the team. On the field…well, in the batter’s box since he wouldn’t see much of the field, Damon looks to me as if he’s well into a decline (although some want to place much of the blame on Tropicana Field). Raul Ibanez is coming off of a poor year which could partially be attributed to some poor luck (.268 BABIP), but I think he would provide more power. He has spent some time with Rudy Jaramillo who is regarded as one of the best hitting coaches in the game and thinks he has addressed some flaws in his swing.
I have to admit that my issue with the Yankees signing a guy like Damon or Ibanez is partly emotional. Objectively, I know that the Jesus Montero-Michael Pineda trade is a good gamble for the Yankees. Despite that I am still disappointed to see Montero go and I will be disgusted if the Yankees turn to someone who is damn near 40 to take hold of the DH role in 2012. Call me spoiled, but I have my heart set on Brian Cashman and Co. pulling off another a trade. A trade that will bring in a young impact hitter who can have a significant role with the team in the immediate future and long-term.
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