November 19-- Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi says the
team has signed free-agent outfielder Raul Ibanez.

Bavasi told KOMO radio the deal was signed yesterday. He says
the acquisition of a good left-handed hitter is a good start for
the ball club, but he says they're still looking for more offense.

Ibanez made it to the majors with the Mariners in 1996 and spent
parts of five seasons with Seattle.

Ibanez spent the past three seasons with Kansas City. He
averaged .294 with 18 home runs last year when he earned three
million dollars.

The Seattle contract is for three years.

He'll be playing in left field at Safeco Field. Some Mariners
will be glad he's no longer an opponent.
In the past three years, Ibanez averaged .381 in games at Safeco
Field. Three of his five hits were home runs.