MLB Free Agency: Is Raul Ibanez the Right Fit for New York Yankees DH Spot?

After inking both Hiroki Kuroda and lefty, Boone Logan, the New York Yankees will continue their search for the void left at DH and Raul Ibanez is the next candidate to take that job, according to the NY Post).

The Yankees have been talking to several aging veterans this offseason, specifically Carlos Pena, Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon (via NY Post). Even a trade for Kansas City Royals' DH, Billy Butler has been discussed.

Now the Bombers turn their sights to former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder, Raul Ibanez.

Ibanez, 39, spent the last three seasons in Philadelphia and was a very productive hitter for the Phils. Offensive production is a trait Ibanez has carried with him throughout his career. He has driven in 83 runs or more every season since 2002 with the exception of one year (2004).

Ibanez is also a left-handed batter, and that seems to be a consistent trend in almost all of the Bombers' DH considerations. He would be a perfect hitter in Yankee Stadium with the infamous short right-field porch.

On top of his offensive production, Ibanez still has the ability to play the outfield, which will help avoid a traffic jam at the DH slot for New York. By no means is he a Gold Glove-caliber outfielders, but he can certainly hold his own.

The Bombers can still keep Ibanez in the lineup if he's hot, allowing Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter or any other aging star to get half a day's rest when necessary.

Other than his age, another thing that might be of concern is his low average. Since he's become an everyday player in the MLB, the .245 mark Ibanez posted last season was the lowest of his career. He hit .256 against righties, while posting an abysmal .211 against lefties.

That might be a big turn-off for general manager Brian Cashman, considering only Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano had an average of .290 or better in 2011.

With his power and ability to drive in runs, Ibanez fits right along with the rest of the players the Yanks have considered to fill their DH void for 2012. We'll have to see if his track record and future aspirations put him in pinstripes for this upcoming season.