ESPN’s Buster Olney had some details on Mariners left fielder Raul Ibanez yesterday:
There is a perception that the Mariners’ asking price on Raul Ibanez is high, but Seattle hasn’t deeply negotiated with anyone yet — though the Mariners will be getting into those talks in the days ahead. While their asking price is going to be affected by the fact that Ibanez will likely be a Type A free agent after the season and would command two compensation draft picks, it figures that they’ll work out a deal with the Mets, Diamondbacks or some other team for Ibanez, who is arguably the best left-handed hitter on the market. It figures, too, that the Mariners will be looking to move Jose Vidro.
There are other quality left-handed hitters on the market – Adam Dunn and Aubrey Huff have both out-hit Ibanez this year. All three are question marks defensively though.
Ibanez and Dunn are both free agents after the season, and are highly likely to earn Type A status.
