Weekend Links: Ibanez signs with Seattle; Sickels ranks Yanks Top 20 Prospects

-  Raul Ibanez has signed with Seattle for $2.75 Million guaranteed and another $1.25 Million possible in performance bonuses.  Ibanez 2012 contract with the Yanks was only for $1.1M guaranteed but he got so much playing time he earned another $2.05 Million in “performance bonuses” for reaching 425 Plate Appearances.

The team had interest in bringing Ibanez back but are more focused on acquiring a RH hitting OF right now and rightfully so – pardon the pun.  With 3 LH hitting OFs who all struggle against LHP, the team will need to carry 1 and maybe 2 RH hitting OFs.  Scott Hairston is the leading name on the FA Market since he hit .286/.317/.550/.867 vs LHP last year with the Mets.  He’s holding out for a 2-yr deal and he may eventually get one considering the Red Sox gave a 2 yr deal to a similar player in Johnny Gomes.

- Noted Minor League and Prospect writer John Sickels posted his preliminary Top 20 Yankees Prospect List at minorleagueball.com  He ranks Gary Sanchez as the team’s #1 prospect followed by OFs Tyler Austin, Mason Williams and Slade Heathcott.  He said all 3 OFs have All-Star potential.  Check it out and discuss below.