New York Mets: 5 Reasons Raul Ibanez Is a Terrible Fit for Citi Field

Desperately in need of a left-handed bat off the bench, many insiders are speculating that Raul Ibanez could land in New York.  While a player that hit 20 home runs last season should seem like a welcome addition, the Mets need to stay far away from Ibanez.

At a high price tag and declining talent level, Ibanez is not the ideal fit for the Mets. With his skill set and Citi Field's dimensions, the Mets need to either find another left-handed bench player internally or wait until someone else becomes available on the market.

By learning from past free agent mistakes, the Mets could save themselves a serious nightmare with Ibanez.  Here are the top five reasons Raul Ibanez would be a terrible fit for Citi Field.

Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Castillo

The current front office for the Mets is working endlessly to improve the team’s reputation after some of the questionable decisions Omar Minaya made as general manager.  Ibanez’s power and average are both down, his defense is unimpressive and he has certainly lost a step running the bases.

Remind you of anyone?

This is Luis Castillo all over again. The Mets would be paying him way more than he deserves, and the product they get would never be able to be worthy of the handsome fortune they paid for him.

Declining Numbers

After hitting an impressive 34 home runs in 2009, Ibanez has seen a significant drop off in his power numbers in 2010 (16) and 2011 (20).  This is a major concern for a suitor like the Mets, who already play in a spacious park (yes, I know the walls are being moved in, but it is still going to be a reach for hitters), because his production is only going to further decrease when he leaves the friendly confines of Citizen’s Bank Park.

Additionally, his batting average dropped off to a lowly .245 last season, a far cry from the near-.300 hitter he used to be.  With power and average both going downhill, he’s a risk not worth taking.

Mets Fans Love to Hate Him

Face it, as a Mets fan, it would be hard to love any Phillies player coming over via free agency (unless of course it was Halladay or Lee; NEVER complain about acquiring an ace!), but especially one such as Ibanez. 

The big wad of tobacco in his cheek, his soul patch and his uncanny ability to hit bad pitches for home runs are just a few of the reasons Mets fans have hated him over the past few years.  After slightly falling off the radar, he exploded back onto the scene when he got to Philly, and Mets fans paid the price. 

Unlikely to Accept a Role as a 4th Outfielder

If Ibanez were to come to the Mets, his likely role would be a fourth outfielder or left-handed pinch-hitter in late innings.  Although his numbers are declining (particularly his batting average), Ibanez’s career probably warrants the chance for him to be an everyday player. 

However, in New York, the Mets made a huge investment already in left field on Jason Bay, and it is unfathomable that they would move him to a bench role.  Around the rest of the outfield, Ibanez is no longer capable of being a center fielder, and Lucas Duda is an up-and-coming superstar in right field.

Doesn't Fit the Mets' New Mold

With a limited payroll, the Mets are no longer in the market to go out and sign big-name free agents.  Although Ibanez would not be a $15 million player, he is still likely to get $6-8 million per year when he signs with a team this year.

The front office has made it clear they will not spend big money on free agents, especially ones who are aging rapidly.  The sad truth is that the Mets are in a rebuilding stage, and old and pricey Ibanez certainly does not fit that mold.