Updated: April 20, 2009
Ibanez on pace to hit 74 homers, make everyone forget about Burrell by next week
By Zaki, PhillyGameday.com
Raul Ibanez is quickly becoming a fan favorite 11 games into his Phillies career. His walk-off two-run home run in the Phils’ 5-4 win over the Padres on Sunday gave him five this season and is tied for the National League lead in that category.
The left fielder was brought in to replace Pete Burrell, who signed with the Rays this past offseason. Ibanez’s quick start has already caused most casual fans to forget last year’s left fielder and all signs point to there being no recollection or historical record of Pete Incaviglia having ever existed as a Phillie come next week.
The Phillies will take on the Padres tonight in the series finale with Jamie Moyer taking the mound against Kevin Correia.
Zaki is the Chief Rocka and senior writer for PhillyGameday.com.
I wasn’t real big on this deal when it happened, but this guy has blown me away. His slugging % is > .800 that’s unreal. Well Pat still has more walks this yr, big suprise. No matter what I will always miss Elvis, I think he was good luck.