What's up with Phillies Outfielder Raul Ibanez? He flew under the radar this winter as a free agent, and signed a 3 year deal at $7 million per season. He's looking like the best signing of the off-season for any team.

He was signed to replace Pat Burrell in the Phils lineup, and not many people paid to attention to him. Their paying attention now. After hitting two home runs last night against the Padres, Ibanez is now up to 19 for the season. His career high in home runs for a season is 33, which he set in 2006. His batting average is at .340, this season he was a career .288 hitter prior to this season.

Ibanez was a 36th round pick in the 1992 draft for the Seattle Mariners, and spent seven years on the bench before becoming a full time starter. Ibanez is also on pace to shatter his career high 123 RBIs in a season, he has 51 RBIs so far this season.

Raul is the real deal, and will be pivotal if the Phillies want to repeat. Money well spent Philadelphia.