Mariners’ Ibanez ignores media

NEW YORK — The Seattle Mariners Raul Ibanez won’t be bothered with the pressure of playing in a big market.

Ibanez spent last season in the New York Yankees’ clubhouse and said, since he thinks all pressure is self-induced, there was little to worry about.

On the heels of that philosophy, Ibanez was not concerned about back-page tabloid headlines or sports talk radio bellowing.

“I try to ignore anything that doesn’t pertain to me doing my job to help the team,” Ibanez said. “I’ve never understood how — no offense — reading a newspaper or listening to what someone else is saying about me, good or bad, is going to help me do a better job at what I do.

“What everyone thinks or says should be irrelevant anyway to a pro athlete. The only thing that matters is what you think, you believe and how you execute that. I just kind of ignore anything that doesn’t pertain to me becoming a better player or better teammate.”

Ibanez hit .240 with 19 home runs and 60 RBI for the Yankees last season. It was in the postseason where he put together his own highlight reel. Ibanez hit .444 with two home runs in nine at-bats in the American League Division Series against the Baltimore Orioles. Ibanez also homered in the American League Championship Series against Detroit.

Tuesday, Ibanez was 2-for-3 with a home run against Yankees’ left-hander CC Sabathia, who usually dominates left-handed hitters. Ibanez had not faced Sabathia for years, but carried a career .286 average and .524 slugging percentage in 42 at-bats into the game against Sabathia, most of which came in the 40-year-old Ibanez’s younger days. Sabathia was also not yet the dominant pitcher he has been the last five years when Ibanez had his earlier success against the left-hander.

Good career numbers against Sabathia also put infielder Robert Andino (.348 batting average) and catcher Kelly Shoppach (.484 slugging percentage) into the lineup against Sabathia. Andino was 1-for-2 with a walk and Shoppach was 1-for-3 against Sabathia.

Kinney, Gutierrez Update

Mariners manager Eric Wedge said that reliever Josh Kinney will join the Tacoma Rainiers this week. Kinney pitched just three innings this season before being placed on the 60-day disabled list April 1 because of a stress reaction in his left ribs.

Wedge also said more will be known about center fielder Franklin Gutierrez’s future after he runs again today. Gutierrez has been on the disabled list since May 8 because of a strained hamstring. It’s possible he will start a rehabilitation assignment at the end of the week.

Granderson returns

Curtis Granderson hit cleanup in his 2013 debut for the Yankees on Tuesday. Granderson was on the disabled list with a fractured right wrist.

He hit 43 home runs last year and was 0-for-3 with a walk Tuesday.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.