ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Although most visiting hitters have little love for Angel Stadium, Raul Ibanez can’t wait to suit up for the home team.
Ibanez agreed to a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels earlier this month. The 41-year-old veteran proclaimed his excitement Monday to play in the Angels’ pitcher-friendly ballpark with its big outfield, high right-field wall and ever-present marine layer.
The Angels intend to get more than civic cheerleading from the personable Ibanez, whose steady power stroke hasn’t vanished in his 40s. Even with a second-half swoon, Ibanez hit 29 homers last season for the Seattle Mariners — including the 300th of his career at the Big A in September.
