Ibanez is terribly defensively.  We all know that.  His knees are old, and he's slower than Manny Ramirez's home run trot.

But the man can swing a great bat.  By my count, he hits with power, for average (more importantly, he gets on base and slugs), and has managed to tally 100+ RBIs for a god-awful offensive team.

The general consensus is that Raul's ineptitude in the field has a greater effect on his team than his proficiency at the plate, which is why he should have his LF privelages revoked, or be moved to a more Vidro-esque position.

So here is where I am confused.  I've heard that left field a position not requiring much speed; more of a power guy (i.e. Adam Dunn) fits the bill.

Matt Holiday, Ryan Braun, and Dunn are all hitters who can swing a big stick.  I would say none of them are, if decent, not great fielders.  Better than Raul, but not great nonetheless.

If the M's put Balentien in left field in 2009, wouldn't his likely poor production at the plate outweigh the defensive improvement over Raul's laughable D?  And how about for Reed? (Yes I know Reed is a fantastic fielder and the management would never do that!)

Say they somehow acquired Adam Dunn.  How much would his terrible defense detract from his overall worth as a left-fielder, as long as he continued to draw walks and slug?

I am NOT arguing for Raul staying in left field.  I just wonder how important it is for a left-fielder to be a decent fielder, as long as he hits well, and with pop.