NAILING DOWN RAUL IBANEZ

The Yankees have mentioned an interest in bringing Raul Ibanez. Raul Ibanez is interested in coming back to New York. According to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post (HERE), Raul told him "I’m open to anything. I’m looking forward to an opportunity to play in The Bronx again. That would be great.”

Good. At least that's consistent with what Raul told Bleeding Yankee Blue. That's right, we actually have a soundbite from the Home Run Walk-off star. He told BYB about the Yanks: "...I can't wait to come back to the Yankees."

There will be more from that interview with Raul Ibanez tomorrow morning on BYB when he chats it up with us about the importance of being part of Ray Negron's benefit Music of the Night. Read RAY NEGRON TAKES CHARGE JUST LIKE STEINBRENNER DID BEFORE HIM. Raul talks with BYB about helping people after Hurricane Sandy. It's a terrific interview.

But for now, it seem simple enough, the interest in each other is mutual. What do 2 parties with the same attraction to each other do? They come together and strike a deal, or, they hook up, but the latter is another post for another time. The point is, there is no reason why the Yankees don't make Raul an offer similar to last year or maybe increase it a hair.  Raul deserves it and the fans have fallen in love. No doubt many of us want him back.

Is Raul a .300 hitter anymore? No. But he hits home runs and most importantly, he's clutch. If you can be clutch as a baseball player, you are considered a champion. Trust me, Raul is welcome if I'm Brian Cashman. So what do we do?  We make a deal.

Get it done...please?

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