Yankees, Ibanez Negotiating Extensively

The New York Yankees are negotiating "extensively" with Raul Ibanez, according to Ken Davidoff. Any deal will likely come after the A.J. Burnett trade is made official.

Joel Sherman noted earlier today that the Yankees are favoring Ibanez over other additions, like Johnny Damon, because they think he's "better on defense and better vs. RHP."

• Twitter / @KenDavidoff - "Yankees have been negotiating extensively with reps for Raul Ibanez. An agreement seems very likely, after Burnett trade gets done."
• Twitter / @Joelsherman1 - "Hear current Hal Steinbrenner #Yankees budget even after AJ trade has room only for Chavez or LH DH (likely Ibanez) not both. But if AJ passes #Pirates physical Sun, #Yankees execs plan to meet again to discuss if room can be made for both areas."

• Twitter / @Joelsherman1 - "Yankees still favor Ibanez over Damon because, of all things, think better on defense and better vs. RHP. But Damon not off board."
• Yankees in Serious Discussions with Raúl Ibañez - MLB Daily Dish
  The New York Yankees are in serious discussions with Raúl Ibañez, according to Ken Rosenthal. Just last week we heard the Yankees were looking for another lefty bat, and over the weekend Joe Girardi named off several guys he'd like to have, including Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, as well as Ibañez.
• New York Yankees Complete Organizational Chart - MLB Daily Dish
  Rosters, Salaries, Leadership, and Prospects for the entire Yankees org.