The New York Yankees are expecting to add Raul Ibanez as their designated hitter and bring back Eric Chavez to provide infield depth, according to a report.
The Yankees anticipate being able to sign Ibanez and Chavez, ESPNNewYork.com reported, citing "an official with direct knowledge of the team's plans."
The Yankees have reportedly favored Ibanez over former Yankees Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui as a left-handed DH, because he can also play the outfield, while the club doesn't feel the other two players can do that very often at this point in their careers.
Ibanez, 39, hit .245 with 20 homers and 84 RBI in 144 games last season for the Philadelphia Phillies.
With A.J. Burnett traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Yankees will owe him $5 million less than they would have and they plan to use part of the cash on Ibanez and Chavez, according to ESPN.
The plan would be for Ibanez to play mostly against righties, according to the report, as the Yankees would use a rotation of their veterans, like Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter, from the right side to get them some rest from playing the field.
Chavez would provide an extra infielder and, in particular, a natural third baseman backup for Rodriguez instead of simply having the usual middle infielder backup.
