Comments on: World Champs Sign Ibanez

By: Nicholas Adams

Nicholas Adams — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:54:23 +0000

Ibanez on Ibanez’ defense…

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3781606&name=Neyer_Rob

By: Dominic Perilli

Dominic Perilli — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:48:37 +0000

Well, Burrell had a serious knack for prolonged slumps yes but his tendency for clutch hits made up for that (in the minds of many fans). He was a very bad base runner which proved somewhat detrimental in high pressure situations so we will have to see how Ibanez does here in Philly.

By: Nicholas Adams

Nicholas Adams — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 03:16:05 +0000

Now, I have absolutely no basis for saying this, but Burrell has always seemed to be very prone to prolonged slumps. I always viewed Ibanez, on the other hand, as a much more consistent, if rarely exceptional, hitter. Was my perception of Burrell wrong?

I can’t speak to either’s ability to hit in significant situations…. that’s a question that requires a bit of research, and one which I am not currently ready to tackle…

By: Dominic Perilli

Dominic Perilli — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 02:33:04 +0000

Nick,

That is a great question. Honestly, I think Ibanez is a good replacement but I and many other Phils fans I know did not have much of a problem with Pat The Bat. Of course, he WILL be missed but the feeling around Philly is that Ibanez is a sufficient enough replacement. However, with that being said, I do not think Ibanez’s batting ability will suffice for Burrell’s clutch hits.

By: Nicholas Adams

Nicholas Adams — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:30:01 +0000

Given that the Phils are your “hometown” team, I’m curious as to your thoughts on this trade. If you’d like to read a downright scathing analysis, head over to fangraphs.com. Before reading their article, I figured Ibanez had to be an upgrade defensively, and would serve as a quality replacement for Burrell’s bat in the lineup. While I suppose one could still argue that Ibanez will be all that, it seems the counter-argument is at least equally as strong.

Now I just hope the Reds don’t go out and bring Burrell to GABP. Juan Rivera anyone?

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-ultimate-headscratcher