<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Bet you didn't know that since rejoining the Mariners prior to the 2004 season, Ibanez has the second-most outfield assists (44) in the American League, one fewer than the Blue Jays' Alex Rios.
"I take great pride in my defense," said Ibanez prior to Saturday's game against the Indians. "There are two sides to this game, and defense, to me, is a huge responsibility. Not only are you responsible for your job on the field for the team, but also for the guys on the mound. They depend on you. They need you to do your job."
Ibanez has seven assists this season, tied for seventh in the AL, and has committed four errors. He might not be a serious threat to win a Gold Glove for defensive excellence, something teammate Ichiro Suzuki has done for seven consecutive seasons, but Ibanez's "D" is more than adequate.
"I think he is well-noted for his offense, and that is basically what you think of first with him," Mariners first base-outfield coach Eddie Rodriguez said, "but he's always working on some aspect of his defense. He works hard at it."<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Ibanez Takes Pride In Defense(From July)