New York Yankees: Bombers Close to Deal for Raul Ibanez

Ever since the Yankees traded Jesus Montero last month, the Yankees have been searching for a designated hitter for 2012.

They're on the verge of getting their man.

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees and Raul Ibanez have the framework of a deal: a one-year deal worth $1 million, plus incentives.

"

Framework for #Yankees deal with Ibanez - about $1M plus incentives - has been in place for weeks. But Yanks had to be sure didn't (cont)

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 19, 2012"

According to Sherman, the deal had been set for a few weeks now, but with the Yankees trying to trade A.J. Burnett, the team had to make sure they weren't adding a DH first, like Garrett Jones, Travis Hafner or Bobby Abreu.

"

have to take on a DH type such as Garrett Jones, Hafner or Abreu b4 finalizing. No roadblocks now.

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 19, 2012"

With Burnett on his way to Pittsburgh and $13 million off the books in 2012, the Yankees do not have any more roadblocks to sign Ibanez.

Ibanez will be the main DH for the Yankees against right-handed pitching, while it's expected that Andruw Jones will be the DH against left-handed pitchers, pending they don't bench Brett Gardner in that spot.

The 39-year-old Ibanez had three productive seasons with the Phillies and will now head back to the American League, where he spent most of his career playing with the Mariners and Royals.

The Yankees had been linked to having interest in Ibanez, along with former Yankees Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui, plus former Angels MVP Vladimir Guerrero.

Ultimately, it came down to Ibanez and Damon, with the team liking Ibanez more because he can still play the outfield and has better numbers against right-handed pitching.

The Yankees had to wait for Burnett's physical to pass and for the league to approve the deal, which took place on Sunday, so now you should see Ibanez locked up early this week as spring training begins for the Yankees.