Raul Ibanez has a burning desire for a monster season.
The Phillies leftfielder is working out, as well as hitting and throwing, six days a week to prepare for the heavy lifting of a 162 game season.
"I take this part seriously," says Ibanez. "This is the time to prepare for the season, this is when you build the momentum, the strength, and everything you need for the season is done during these three months."
Ibanez is focusing on strengthening his legs and his core, which will help with his balance at the plate.
Last year, he hit just 16 homers and drove in 83 runs, his lowest numbers since 2004.
When you fall short of what your personal expectations are or what your teams expectations are, it is definitely a very strong motivating factor," says Ibanez.
After training all winter, Ibanez says he is ready for spring training and the season. He is heading down to Florida Saturday in as good of shape as he's ever been.
"It's not even a burn. It's like an overall misery." But it's worth it, Ibanez says. "Whatever it takes."
The 38 year old is taking the "whatever it takes" attitude, so that he and the Phillies, not only get back to the World Series, but win it.
"It has kind of always been a World Series or bust, really, but especially this year, I think that we're going to go out, we're going to play. We still got to play this season, we still got to make it happen," Ibanez said.
Ibanez can't wait to make it happen. He's counting down the days until opening day.
