Screw the numbers, he's got Jesus

Raul Ibanez met the media today (those who weren't canned this month), and he put to rest any questions about his age or defense.

I love hearing it. It's one of the things I enjoy because I know that I can continue to be productive. I know this. The good Lord has blessed me with ability. He's blessed me with what I believe to be an incredible work ethic, and an incredible drive to attempt to succeed no matter what. So I think I can continue doing this for a while. As a man I couldn't have come here unless I was able to do that.

Great. I know Major League proved Jesus can hit a curve ball, but I'd like something a bit stronger to refute the evidence that the Phillies made a mistake in left field for 2009.

And he's not going to be very interesting. He declined to get into a feud with the Mets new closer Francisco Rodriguez.

I'm sorry. I'm a pretty boring guy.

While the Phils' big-ticket item took center stage, the Red Sox await word from Mark Teixeira, who may be close to a decision. The Red Sox are one of five teams in it, but the price keeps rising.