Raul Ibanez Traded to San Francisco

Ibanez Heads for Frisco

The Phillies have taken the first step in reducing payroll after the Cliff Lee signing.  Officials confirmed today that left fielder Raul Ibanez was traded to the Giants for 2 Beer Vendors and a Sushi concession stand.

GM Ruben Amaro said, “Now that our pitching rotation is set I wanted to address our remaining concerns for the future.  Raul has been a key member of our team but we recognized that he would be leaving after the 2011 season.  We saw an opportunity to upgrade our concession operation and cut our payroll at the same time.  The two beer vendors had the 3rd and 4th highest sales among the entire Western Division vendor staff and they will make quite a bit less than Raul would. "

Amaro expects beer sales to rise significantly as a result of this trade and feels the Phillies are now set for the next few years.  He said the vendors are veterans who will help their younger staff grow into top sellers down the road.



New addition for 2011



 While the Phillies are pleased with existing food concession providers, they also realized a need to expand food variety and provide a product that would attract a new clientele to the ballpark. Amaro is confident that the Sushi stand will do just that and this is only the first move he has planned. 

San Francisco wanted the Schmitter Concession in addition to Raul but Amaro felt the price was too steep.  The Giants finally agreed to the deal when the Phillies offered to bring California and Spicy Tuna Rolls whenever they play in San Francisco.



When contacted, Raul said he was sorry to leave Philadelphia and had nothing but praise for the organization and his teammates.  His only regret was that he would not be able to check out the new Sushi Stand.