The Triangle

Issue date: 5/29/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Jonn Dunn Newsday/MCT

Who would have thought Phillies fans would be chanting "Rauuuuul" from the stands by the end of April?

Obviously, not many people, considering talks that the Phillies overpaid for 36-year-old left fielder Raúl Ibañez upon his signing in December. These naysayers did not consider what a fundamentally-sound player could bring to a winning team in a hitter-friendly ballpark.

Up to this point, Ibañez leads the National League in runs batted in and is second in homeruns with 17. His .339 batting average has brought a consistent offensive force to a lineup that was littered with strikeouts last year.

Ibañez's success amongst the National League has been impressive, but his contributions to the Phillies have been imperative to the team's first-place position in the NL East throughout the majority of the season thus far.

During the month of April, the Phillies received dismal performances from Jimmy Rollins and the team's starting pitchers. However, Ibañez picked up their slack by having an outstanding start of the season in which he accounted for 25 percent of the team's home runs and 18 percent of the team's run production.

In addition to his unbelievable offensive numbers, Ibañez has been a pleasant surprise on the defensive side as well. Thus far he has only committed one error this year in addition to three outfield assists provided by his strong arm. With the addition of Ibañez, Phillies fans did not expect to upgrade the defensive performance in left field, but Ibañez has had much better range than former Phillies leftfielder, Pat Burrell.

In a blue-collar town like Philadelphia, hard work is always appreciated. All too often, players neglect to give their full effort during the 162-game season, but Ibañez never forgets why he is playing in the majors.

Simply put, the guy plays the game the right way. He runs out every ball regardless of the circumstance to ensure his best effort is given at all times. In the field, there is a clear sense of urgency when a ball is hit his way. His high baseball IQ allows him to make the smartest decision given the situation.

Also, Ibañez has been an extremely low-maintenance player throughout his career. Fans will never read about the ridiculous quote he gave after the game or any antics on the field. Players like Ibañez are what is missing from baseball in what seems to be a "dark" era for the game.

Currently, Ibañez is in sixth place in All-Star voting for NL outfielders. His performance during the first two months of the season should at least bolster him a starting position for the NL team. Fans need to get out and vote for Ibañez and what he stands for: a true professional.

Ibañez is on pace to break his own career highs in just about every offensive category, especially with the short porches Citizens Bank Park provides its hitters. Due to his work ethic and demeanor toward the game, Ibañez has become a fan favorite among the millions of Phillies fans.

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