Bobby Abreu is batting .322 with 63 runs scored, eight HRs, 76 RBIs and an OPS of .870.
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) -
Bobby Abreu was the "red-headed stepchild" this past offseason. No one wanted to sign him.
Following the end of the 2008 season, free-agent Abreu began his quest for a new team with a price tag in the $16 million area. But by February, with no teams knocking down his door to hand him that check, the former Yankees outfielder cut his asking price in half.
Even at that price there were few bidders. It appeared that he was the back up plan in Chavez Ravine had the Dodgers not re-signed Manny Ramirez. The Los Angeles Angels also showed a bit of interest as a DH and fourth outfielder since they already had Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter and Juan Rivera starting.
So eventually, Abreu agreed to sign with the Angels in a deal believed to be worth just under $5 million plus incentives and it's a lucky thing for the Anaheim that he did. With 2/3 of the Angels outfield on the disabled list, Abreu has come up big, playing primarily in right field, instead of DH.
In fact, with Guerrero and Hunter watching from the sidelines, Abreu was the AL Player of the Month for July. He won the award by batting .380 with an AL- leading 26 runs scored, four HRs and 28 RBIs.
For the season, Abreu is batting .322 with 63 runs scored, eight HRs, 76 RBIs and an OPS of .870.
His career is one of consistent performance. From 2000 through 2008 he averaged 107 runs, 22 HR, 98 RBI, 29 SB and averaged .297. He never scored less than 98 runs, 15 HR, 79 RBI, 22 SB or batted less than .283 in any season. He was the definition of dependable.
Not bad for an outfielder who got little respect at draft time. His Average Draft Position (ADP) was an 82, the 26th outfielder selected. He's playing like a top-10 outfielder making him a solid candidate for the 2009 TSN Best Bargain Award.
Based on past performance, things will get even better. For his career, his best OPS by month comes in August (.942) and September is pretty good too (.911).
