Abreu And Phillies Together Again?

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Wed, September 17, 2008 01:22 PM

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports Bobby Abreu will not be re-signed, and is likely to see the door in New York.

Abreu played eight and a half seasons with the Phillies, and has a .300 career average with 238 home runs and 1,073 RBI. He ranks first in Phillies history in on-base percentage (.416), eighth in runs and 11th in hits. He’s considered one of the franchises’ greatest players.

There is a possibility Abreu could return to Philadelphia. With Pat Burrell’s possible departure an outfield hole opens, and the Phils will almost have to fill it via free agency or trade. Early options include Juan Rivera and Raul Ibanez, not really the most admirable options. The Phils could slot Jayson Werth into left and seek a right fielder in the offseason. That would make Abreu an option.

With 17 HR and 89 RBI, Abreu won’t put up big power numbers anymore. But his .372 on-base mark is still strong, and he saw 4.30 pitches per appearance, good for fifth in the American League. That kind of patience is a dire need for the Phils offense. Moreover, he wouldn’t have the same role on the ‘09 Phils as he did on the ‘06 team (being the star).

He did make $16 million this season as a club option, and should undoubtedly make less in 2010. At age 35 he won’t be a target of a long-term deal, but a two- or three-year deal at about $10-11M per year might be feasible. And that’s a little less than what Burrell would command.

Obviously Abreu would work better in the American League as an OF/DH, but for what he brings offensively, he could be the perfect substitute for Burrell in 2009. And who knows — maybe it would be nice to have Abreu finish his career in red pinstripes.

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57 Responses to “Abreu And Phillies Together Again?”

Geoff Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Im actually ok with that…he can still field, hes not as slow at pat burrell, and hell command less money AND get on base which pat does NOT do when hes not on fire. hell be cheaper than 10m, per year i think actually. you can get a 2 year deal averaging 9mm per year for him…just watch…

pat burrell is GONE. even if he comes cheap, he cANT field anymore. i was at the game saturday and he single handedly almost allowed the brewers back into the game with two bad fielding blunders. pat burell = DH. abreu can at least move around out there still. jayson werth into left field. AND with stairs out there as a backup plan thats not a bad right field platoon to get you by UNTIL YOUR FARM SYSTEM CAN PRODUCE AN OUTFIELDER other than greg golson!
J-Man Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I wouldn’t mind Abreu coming back,i’ve watched a few Yankees games this year and he’s still not a bad hitter and is still a pretty good defensive player as well.
Tim Malcolm Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
One logistical problem with Abreu back would be an inbalance in lefty/righty splits in the lineup. You need a big righty bat to help balance out Howard and Utley. Is Werth enough? I don’t know.
Geoff Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
werth is a good one, but im a supporter of having two lefties (howard/chase) and two righties (werth/?) who can hit for some power available to you.

thats a great point tim…forgot about that….
Griffin Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I’m not sure that Abreu is going to take less money than Burrell.
Trading Abreu was a great move since we got so much talent back for him…oh wait, well at least we freed up money to sign Adam Eaton!!!!
jeff Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Definitely not. I really dislike the way abreu plays and I think he is the wrong kind of attitude for this team. Doesn’t anyone remember when he was here? He’d hit .300 all year getting his hits in the 7th inning of games the Phils were losing 8-1. He never gets big hits, and he shys away from the wall in the outfield like it had the plague on it. PLEASE NO ABREU
Geoff Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
well they probably will need to sign a free agent left or right fielder to replace Pat. Because pat wont come back. not playing this way…
Jack Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
ugh my feelings about abreu are completely based on gut feeling and not numbers. but i just never liked that guy. Proof that the team felt the same way was when they went on a tear and missed the playoffs by 2 games after dumping him off to NY. i’d prefer to never see him in red and white again. but if he’s the best replacement for pat the bat, then so be it
Jim Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
They can spend more money and get a better outfielder. Please don’t bring back Abreu…he had his good years, but that will be like Geoff Jenkins signing.
Georgie Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Jack, I thought the same thing when I heard this, as soon as he left the team had a completely different attitude, and if I remember correctly, he was pretty streaky as a hitter, no? I’m going on gut too, but I don’t think I want him back in the Phils’ lockerroom.

Or maybe it’s because he wears those see-thru fishnet shirts…..
Fran Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
SI did a players poll who is the toughest lefthanded pitcher in baseball?

#1 Santana 32%
#2 Cole 12%
#3 CC Sabathia 11%
#4 Kazmir 10%
#5 Wagner 8%

thats 449 mlb players voting
Geoff Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
notice cole hamels isnt on that list….
Gabriel Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
someone tell me if any switch-hitting outfielders are available on the market this offseason… via free agency or trades. i just want a guy who can hit for contact in the .260 – .275 range (preferably from either side)…
was pat the bat’s OBP that much worse than bobby aboo-boo’s before pat went into his slump? i think pat walked a ton this year, just a little too streaky (hence 5 K’s last night)
PhillyFriar Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
The only (measurable) drawback is what you already mentioned: it would make this lineup very LH heavy. As far as a Burrell replacement goes — if we indeed come to that juncture — Abreu on a 2- or 3-year deal would almost have to be the top option. I mean, just look at the only other comparable free agents: Manny, Dunn, or Milton Bradley. Each would require a longer deal than Abreu, and for far more money.

One quick note: if this were to happen, then I’d immediately move Abreu to LF. He can’t possibly be any worse there than he was in RF, and Werth is a superior fielder.
Fran Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
geoff cole is #2
Mike Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
RE: Geoff

Wait, then who’s number 2?

“Who is the toughest lefthanded pitcher in baseball?

Johan Santana, Mets 32%

Cole Hamels, Phillies 12%

CC Sabathia, Brewers 11%

Scott Kazmir, Rays 10%

Billy Wagner, Mets 8%”

Reading comprehension.
Geoff Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
my bad i over looked that slot
Geoff Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
yeah we really need another good RH bat. werth is our best pure RH hitter (consistency). hes having a good year. if he plays a full season as the starter he WILL meet or beat burrells numbers.
Geoff Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
hes really going to be one of our top two or three most important players in the coming season and maybe in the playoffs this season.
Georgie Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Obviously I am not up on the stats like most of you so correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t Pat carry this team for a while earlier in the season when the “frontrunner brothers” weren’t hitting a lick? Just saying….
Gabriel Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
1 – jroll (SS)
2 – teenwolf (werth) (LF)
3 – chasey (2B)
4 – howard (1B)
5 – Hawaiian (CF)
6 – Dobber (RF)
7 – Pete Happy (3B)
8 – Lou Marson (C)

anyone think that’s a plausable lineup next year?
Gabriel Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
flip flop werth and chase depending on LHP or RHP
Ari Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Abreu is old, I just don’t see him producing anymore. There’s gotta be a better option out there.
Geoff Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
dobbs is NOT a serviceable everyday player.
you need to go out and sign a better RF is youve got werth in LF.
Chris.I Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Dobbs isn’t an everyday player, because thats what Manuel decides to do with him, but he can definitly be an everyday player if we needed him to be. He’s only a liabilty on 3rd base. I think he’s a pretty decent outfielder. He might not have the best arm, but he gets to the balls, and has a solid bat. He’s way better than Jenkins if you ask me.
Old Lew Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Who pays a guy big $$$ to run into walls?
Abreu very smart player with lots of positive intangibles.
Not playing old yet, either.
Nobody bats .300 over 160 games getting all their hits late in meaningless games.
Get a grip.
Sign Abreu.
philsphan Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
I’d rather sign Burrell than Abreu.
Gabriel Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
i just dont like the idea of ANOTHER left handed bat in the lineup… i def think we need a righty… or a switch contact hitter
Greg B Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Dobbs isnt an everyday player in my book, either. Remember what a lift it was to get Happy Pete back and spell the Dobbs/Bruntlett platoon out there? I think that more than anything coincided with the Phils starting to string some Ws back together. Well, Myers going from unserviceable to NASTY sure helped matters too.
Geoff Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
The Dobbs/Bruntlett platoon is one of the worst platoons in recent memory. it was a NIGHTMARE!
Chris.I Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
I agree to some extent, but you can’t ignore Dobbs offensive numbers either. Especially in a critical moment like this with Burrell slumping. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Dobbs starting the OF tonight or tomorrow.
JeffR Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Milton Bradley and Ibanez could be had for 2-year deals. Bradley is a switch-hitter, and I though Ibanez was as well. Maybe trade for Sarge Jr if the Angels bring back Vlad. How’s that for a speedy outfield-Vic, Werth, and Matthews,Jr with Golson off the bench?
christopher Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
abreu is one of my least favorite phillies of all time, i want nothing to do with him.
Geoff Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
bradley will require 3+ year deal and mad money.
Gabriel Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
i would love sarge jr here
Dave Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Although Abreau put up good numbers while he was here, we never won anything with him…..let’s look for a right handed bat instead.
KM Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
JeffR,

I like the idea of trading for Matthews Jr. He is 34 years old and would only be here 2-3 years tops. I also like the thought of trading for Juan Pierre, if you want to talk about speed. The great thing about those 2 guys is that they will come cheap because they are currently the odd men out on their teams.
Richie Allen Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
I think Sarge jr is way overrated…I also think that we need a righthanded bat instead of Abreu but not Burrell..Maybe we can sign Abreu and trade him for what we really need…AARON ROWAND
Geoff Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
sarge JR was in the mitchell report….
Richie Allen Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
The funniest comment on here today is Werth =TEENWOLF..
What a country!!
Matt Kwasiborski Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
No way, no how, no Abreu. I think Joe Conklin’s drunken tribute to Abreu sums him up best. He is a pure stats guy and never really produced in the clutch. The only thing that has me thinking he would be OK is because he wouldn’t be the #3 hitter and if he didn’t produce, we wouldn’t get on him so much. But there are better, cheaper and younger options out there.

Sarge Jr makes 10M a year and now that he is off the juice, he is not very good. I mean why do you think the Angels went out and signed Hunter to replace him after ONE year? Juice!

There is one guy here who doesn’t like J-Roll and Conlin wrote an article about him when J-Roll was pulling his crap. Trade J-Roll to SF for Matt Cain and Rowand. SF needs a SS and J-Roll is a better offensive player then Rowand and they aren’t sold on Cain. Something to consider.
Geoff Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
if bradley could be had for cheaper than burrell on a shorter contract im all for it though….
DD Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
That ship has sailed! The phillies personality changed completely the day after Abreu was traded. The Abreu led phils rarely came back from 3-4 runs down after the 7th inning, You could turn off the TV after the stretch as those teams seemed to pack it in and be talking in the dugout about what they were doing after the game. Abreu is a professional hitter, I will give him that, but he has not demonstrated himself to be a winner anywhere.
Drewdacri$ Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
We already have one too many Sarges here already.
Gabriel Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
thanks for the comic support Richie (teenwolf)
i’m not a fan of unloading Phrontrunner Brothers unless you get an ACE. clearly we have to pay howard – his career sept. numbers are out of this world…
IF (and only if) you move Jimmy, then you HAVE to get an ace and a serviceable SS (although they are a dime a dozen for an average one)
the only way i would trade j-roll is if i got lincecum from sanfran. throw in the carrasco/marson battery if you have to, just get it done. cole/brett/lincecum is one hell of 1-2-3 punch
Gabriel Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
plus adding lincecum to the starting rotation makes us way more attractive for a solid righty to bolster the offense (whispers of double 3’s rowand anyone?)
Mark Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Ibanez is batting over .300 with 21 homers/81 runs scored/108 rbi’s. How is that not admirable?
T Mac Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I don’t want Burrell or Abreu – they will both be over $10/million per year for multiple years for quickly-fading players.

I agree we need to pick up another righty bat. But let’s remember we have three decent lefties (all signed for next year) to platoon in the outfield in Dobbs/Stairs/Jenkins. Lets give a combination of those three most of the at-bats against righties, and pick up a righty platoon outfielder.

I suggest this because there are no good options for righty FA outfielders this year that won’t cost way too much (like Manny).

So why don’t we take a shot on Rocco Baldelli – sure he’s a big injury risk, but we could get him for just a one or two year deal, and it’s high reward (plus another great defensive outfielder) if he stays healthy. Let’s save our money for a stud starter, which there are many of who will be on the market…
ryan Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
abreu is so washed up. no way to him. i don’t want burrell either. let’s continue trying to get holliday in here. i’d gladly give up carrasco for him.
Mike N Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Anybody think Seattle would consider moving Ichiro for the right package? They suck and need to rebuild. Or is that patently ridiculous even to suggest?
KM Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Abreu is washed up? .298, 17 homers, 89rbis, 91 runs scored, 19 sb this season . . . those numbers are pretty consistent with his career averages.

i’d prefer a righty bat, but abreu wouldn’t be the worst option. We can not go into another year with Jenkins in right field – you think Abreu is washed up, take a look at Jenkins.

Bradley would be nice, he’s a switch hitter with good power and hits for a high average, but he is bad news. everywhere he has gone he has got into some kind of trouble.
KM Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Mike N, I love the Ichiro idea. I thought about it earlier this year. They definitely have to be in rebuilding mode, and they will probably lose Ibanez to FA. I might also look at trading for Beltre if we could get him. He is a solid defensive 3rd baseman, and give you a little more offense than Feliz. Looking at his numbers, he would give you more production than Burrell, and in this park he would have even better numbers than he’s had in Seattle.
Matt Kwasiborski Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
No way SF is giving up Linceum. If we move J Roll for the Cain/Rowand deal, we can bring up Olympic starting SS Jason Donald and plug him into the 8 hole. Vic goes to leadoff, Rowand is at 2 or 5 depending on who they get for the OF to replace Burrell.

Phils should definitely explore what Halladay will cost. I would give up Marson/J Roll/Happ/Carrasco for him with no hesitation. If Burnett leaves Toronto, then they will rebuild again.
MikeB Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I agree with those on here who would pass on getting Bobby Abreu. Too old of a player for what money he probably is going to want and he always seemed to have motivational and attitude problems when he played for the Phils before. Streaky hitter too and the Phillies already have enough of them. Was never that much of a clutch hitter. Tended to hit many times when outcome of game was already decided. Would pass on Milton Bradley too because of his troubled past.
Geoff Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
dude j-roll will get you some good prospects. hes gotta go though. donald comes up.

sign milton bradley to trplace pat burrell in 5 hole.

sign ben sheets or burnett or lowe.
Geoff Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
ill go with j-roll, happ, golson for roy halladay/
Geoff Says:
September 17th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
for one year of matt holliday? no…how about two years of roy halladay?

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