Don't Forget About Raul Ibanez for Your 2009 Fantasy Baseball Season

Even though Raul Ibanez (pictured Topps 1996 rookie baseball card) is a little long in the tooth I still think he represents excellent fantasy baseball value heading into the 2009 season. Ibanez turns 37 this season but I like the move to Philly and Citizens Bank Ballpark to help mitigate falloff in his production. Over the past 3 seasons he's averaged 26 HRs, 200+ runs+RBIs with a .290 batting average. Even if we revise these down and say 24 HRs, .285 BA and 175 runs+RBIs Raul Ibanez would still be useful in any format - factor in some upside from there and I'm sold - provided he's cheap enough.

Let's talk value. Presently he looks like an 8th-9th round pick in the 15 team NFBC format. This could push him to mid-teen rounds in 10 and 12 team leagues. To me that's minimal cost but Graphical Player 2009's WOW Factors for 2008 have his value comparable to Vladimir Guerrero, Magglio Ordonez, Corey Hart and Andre Either. If we assume all of these players will put up the same fantasy numbers in 2009 Ibanez is the best deal of the bunch. All of these other players are top 5 to 6 round picks in the NFBC.

In fantasy baseball it's always exciting to search for 'the next big thing'. What I find more exciting is winning my league and getting paid! Don't forget about steady veterans like Raul Ibanez - take advantage of the fact that most people will!

Find Raul Ibanez Autographed Baseball Memorabilia on eBay!