Analysis: Angels, Raul Ibanez agree on one-year, $2.75-million deal

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Baseball is a young man's game. There aren't many players still producing into their forties. Raul Ibanez is not "many players." If you wondered who authored the best age-41 season in baseball history, you might be surprised to learn that Raul Ibanez is in there with a shout. 

No other player hit more home runs at 41 than Ibanez did for the Mariners last season. Not only did Ibanez hit that well, he put up these wholly respectable numbers while spending far too much time in left field. 

The Angels shouldn't ask Ibanez to play the outfield much but they will use him in as a DH, spending time there when Albert Pujols is at first base. He gives the Angels some pop from the left side of the plate, pushing marginal bats like Hank Conger and Grant Green farther down the DH depth chart. 

It is hard to fault the signing of a hard-working and respected veteran to a reasonable one-year deal. Raul Ibanez isn't the difference between the playoffs and another bust season for Anaheim but he can contribute in very real ways. 

Angels fans should be excited by the addition while quietly wondering if the money going to Ibanez, insignificant as it might be, wouldn't be better spent somewhere else.