Bobby Abreu Finally Finds A Home….In Los Angeles
Slugger Bobby Abreu has reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Angels for a one year deal pending Abreu passing a physical. Sources have said the Abreu will earn around 5 million dollars plus incentives. Abreu should help to stabilize a lineup that was beginning to look suspect. His leadership will also be a welcome addition in the clubhouse.
Abreu is amazingly consistant and has been throughout his 13 year career. Though his age is cause for concern on some levels, he does not appear to be slowing down as much as many do at his age. A steady source of power and average throughout his career, Abreu should fit in quite nicely with the existing Angel batting lineup. He is also a steady run producer and scorer as his 100+ in each category over the last two years demonstrate.
Abreu was seeking a longer term deal, but maybe the opportunity to go to a very talented Angels squad changed his mind. It also probably was due to the huge number of veteran left handers still on the market. With names out there like Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey Jr, and Frank Thomas, the market changed quickly.
Abreu enjoyed a number of fine seasons in Houston and is known for being a good locker room player. That is, he is a player that works hard, gets along with the others, and helps out the younger players throughout the year. That type of influence in Los Angeles is sure to be a welcome addition. A team can never have enough veterans around, and especially if they are still highly productive like Abreu.
Abreu spent last season with the New York Yankees, and had a pretty solid season. He hit 20 home runs, and had 100 RBIs as well as scoring 100+ runs. What is truly amazing is that even at the ripe age of 35 Abreu still managed to steal 22 bases. That is no fluke either as Abreu is always in excess of 20 SBs. If he can maintain that pace for the Angels, that will surely help out some of the bats in the Angel lineup.
Abreu will certainly be missed in New York and it is a bit of a puzzle why they did not resign him. The Yankees have a history of signing aging superstars, however, and letting them move on after a year or two. That said, the Angels are surely glad to have him on board with their team. It looks as though the Angels might just be a pretty strong contender if the pitching holds out.
