Tag Archives: ibanez-reward

The 2012 road for two New York Yankees has certainly been rocky, to say the least.  One is a 40 year-old veteran outfielder signed in February with the hopes of re-emerging as a powerful, left-handed threat at the plate.  The other is a young 26 year-old hurler who somehow lost his way in 2011, but showed up to spring training in the best shape of his once-promising career. Raul Ibanez and Phil Hughes entered this season with the hopes of rekindling success they once enjoyed, and until recently it looked as though neither would. The New York Yankees brought Ibanez in with the expectations that he would be the left-handed designated hitter (platooning with Andruw Jones), and occasionally spot start in the outfield to provide days off to the regulars.  It was only 3 years ago that he was selected to the National League all-star team in route to a  34 HR, 93 RBI season with the Philadelphia Phillies – his fourth straight season with at least 90 runs driven in.  Over the past two … Continue reading →