Abreu To The Bronx

[PinstripesForever]

Why are the Phillies and Yanks talking....Why would anyone want a Yankee Reliever(outside of Mo and villone)???? In fact why do we need Abreu?

[baseball junkie]

Well Gary Sheffield will be 38 on September 3. Not to mention the fact that he's been on the DL most of this year. I wouldn't be too confident in getting that much more production out of him. That leaves a big hole in right field.

Of course the Yankees could just wait till Hideki Matsui comes back to play left field and station Melky Cabrera in right field until Jose Tabata is ready to take over the position for the next 10 to 12 years. Matsui is scheduled to meet with Yankee team doctors within the week and if he's cleared he can start taking batting practice immediately.

The problem of course is that Matsui might not be cleared and Tabata, the 17th ranked prospect in all of baseball by Scout.com, is playing in A-Ball and doesn't turn 18 until August 12 of this year.

But this is the Yankees we're writing about. We all know they don't operate like any other club in baseball. Let a player like Tabata mature into a franchise player while enduring a few years of mediocre hitting and stellar fielding from Melky Cabrera? George won't abide that.

So he's probably going to pull the trigger on this STUPID Abreu trade.

I'm mainly a Mets' fan but I follow the Yankees too. I just hope when they make this trade that the names Jose Tabata and Phil Hughes are not included.

[Baseball Guru]

I just hope when they make this trade that the names Jose Tabata and Phil Hughes are not included.


From what I understand, Tabata or Hughes are not involved... Also, I am hearing that SP Lidle is involved in the deal as well...

[LouGehrig]

From what I understand, Tabata or Hughes are not involved... Also, I am hearing that SP Lidle is involved in the deal as well...

Yeah, Lidle really did well for you.

[Mattingly]

Presuming Sheffield's $13m extension for 2007 isn't picked up, if this goes through, then next season, we'll have:

LF: Matsui
CF: Damon
RF: Abreu

What happens to Melky Cabrera. He seems more than just a bench guy, as I see him starting. I'd rather have him than Abreu, despite Abreu's obviously offensive superiority. Still, that glove and arm can't be ignored.

[Baseball Guru]

Yeah, Lidle really did well for you.


What do you mean he "did well for you":confused:

[Mattingly]

Bobby Abreu has been taken out of today's lineup. They're at home playing the Marlins.

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/gamecenter/live/MLB_20060730_FLA@PHI

[Halos]

Abreu hasnt "officially" been traded, but MLB.com has an article on Bobby being taken out of the lineup. They say he is presumably going to the Bronx for a package of minor leaguers including C.J. Henry and may be going with Cory Lidle or Jon Leiber.

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060730&content_id=1583514&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

ESPN also has an article.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2534459

[Baseball Guru]

They are saying during the Mets/Braves game that a deal has been tentatively done.. Abreu/Lidle for Henry/Smith and another minor leaguer...

Phils are playing a doubleheader today so could start game 2 today if the deal doesnt go thru...

[Mattingly]

I presume that the reason the Yanks didn't have to give up the oft-requested blue chippers Phil Hughes or Jose Tabata, nor the young sophs in Wang and Cano, or the rookie in Cabrera is that they are picking up the remainder of Abreu's contract.

I'd much rather give up money than prospects, for which no money can buy.

[Baseball Guru]

I presume that the reason the Yanks didn't have to give up the oft-requested blue chippers Phil Hughes or Jose Tabata, nor the young sophs in Wang and Cano, or the rookie in Cabrera is that they are picking up the remainder of Abreu's contract.

I'd much rather give up money than prospects, for which no money can buy.


A very good point and I would definitely agree with that thinking...

[Mattingly]

Article: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jon_heyman/07/30/yankees.abreu/index.html

All this drama for a guy having a major power outage. Strange.
A very good point and I would definitely agree with that thinking...
I'm posting in several places and a Red Sox fan said that the Yanks, because of the revenue brought in by the YES network, have an advantage to pay that contract which other teams don't enjoy. The Cubs/White Sox have WGN, and the mets have SNY, but I guess that YES brings in buckets of cash.

His stats are slightly below 2005's, but it may be a good deal in the end. I'm still wondering what happens to Melky Cabrera once Matsui returns. I'm guessing they'll hold onto him as either insurance if Matsui isn't as good as expected, or for some deal this winter.

Abreu: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=3537

[Zito75]

I heard the Yanks also get Lidle? What the hell!?!

[Brannu]

Seeing as this looks like it will go through ... where do you put him in the lineup? It appears that with his speed that you would like to have him near the top of the lineup ... 2nd preferably ... but, Jeter is there. Would you put Jeter 3rd, Abreu 3rd ... or just chuck that speed toward the bottom of the lineup? 6th?

[Mattingly]

Seeing as this looks like it will go through ... where do you put him in the lineup? It appears that with his speed that you would like to have him near the top of the lineup ... 2nd preferably ... but, Jeter is there. Would you put Jeter 3rd, Abreu 3rd ... or just chuck that speed toward the bottom of the lineup? 6th?
I'd looked at Giambi's and Rodriguez' splits and they'd both hit better when they'd hit 5th. Therefore, I'd keep Damon & Jeter as leadoff & #2; Abreu, 3rd; Giambi, cleanup; Rodriguez, 5th.

I'm hearing something that Abreu wanted to not require that playoff-bound teams (Cards, Yanks, etc) be obliged to pick up his 2008 option, as he's only signed through 2007. Things are in negotiations, so I'm presuming that the Yanks could possibly increase the buyout option if the Yanks decline this. Who knows what he'd do here.

EDIT:

Changed "Abreu" to 3rd, instead of 2nd; changed "Damon" to "Giambi" for cleanup.

[SoxSon]

I'd looked at Giambi's and Rodriguez' splits and they'd both hit better when they'd hit 5th. Therefore, I'd keep Damon & Jeter as leadoff & #2; Abreu, 2nd; Damon, cleanup; Rodriguez, 5th.


I can't figure out what you're saying here, Mattingly. Are you mixing up names?

[Mattingly]

I can't figure out what you're saying here, Mattingly. Are you mixing up names?
I was replying to Brannu's post asking where Abreu would go into the lineup. Damon, Jeter, likely Abreu, as well as Giambi and Rodriguez would be in the lineup. I was just mentioning where Abreu would likely bat in the lineup, that's all.

Please see Alex Rodriguez' (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?statsId=5275&type=batting&year=2006) splits, under "By Batting Order".

[Brannu]

I can't figure out what you're saying here, Mattingly. Are you mixing up names?

Yeah ... I'm confused, too.

So, are you saying that Abreu would bat 3rd? That the lineup would look like this:

Damon
Jeter
Abreu
Giambi
Rodriguez
Posada
and so on?

[Mattingly]

Yeah ... I'm confused, too.

So, are you saying that Abreu would bat 3rd? That the lineup would look like this:

Damon
Jeter
Abreu
Giambi
Rodriguez
Posada
and so on?
Yup. At least if I were doing the lineup thing.

[Baseball Guru]

Yeah ... I'm confused, too.

So, are you saying that Abreu would bat 3rd? That the lineup would look like this:

Damon
Jeter
Abreu
Giambi
Rodriguez
Posada
and so on?

Looks like a good lineup to me... May flip flop Giambi and Arod if there were a lefty on the mound... Abreu and Giambi give you back to back lefties...

With Damon, Abreu, Giambi and whenever Matsui and Cano come back, they have a lot of lefties huh?

[SoxSon]

Yup. At least if I were doing the lineup thing.


Lol! I think you should read what you wrote closely! :)

I'd looked at Giambi's and Rodriguez' splits and they'd both hit better when they'd hit 5th. Therefore, I'd keep Damon & Jeter as leadoff & #2; Abreu, 2nd; Damon, cleanup; Rodriguez, 5th.

[plask_stirlac]

Article: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jon_heyman/07/30/yankees.abreu/index.html

All this drama for a guy having a major power outage. Strange.


Are you saying it's not worth it? He's down a lot since last year's ASB, but it's kind of like Giambi in 2003 when he still hit over 40 HR. Think of him like a speedster who has had some pop. He easily led the NL in walks with guys like Howard right behind him. He helped Burrell get a lot of RBI while struggling with RISP, and easily held his own with R and RBI despite only 8 HRs.

I can't really explain his troubles in the last two late summers, even in Citizen's. That, along with the AL transition, is worrisome for his NY success. But this is such a cheap pickup, even with the salary. He has history and is always in the lineup, plus the Yankees could use some hitting like Abreu's without the line of 30 HR guys they expected.

He's kind of an enigma. Some say he doesn't handle pressure and isn't forceful or intense enough. Results show he bogards, even demands the no. 3 spot and its expectations, in Philadelphia. He hits better with RISP, and has for a while. His defense is average at worst, and has that strong and accurate arm. He performs well in so many areas, best or near best on some of those Philly teams. He could run like Rollins, ge on base like Thome, hit for doubles and extra bases like Utley. He's kind of like the Phillies in recent years, especially the offense. Some have been disappointed, for instance in 2004, but they were 2nd in runs scored behind the St. Louis juggernaut.

[Brannu]

With Damon, Abreu, Giambi and whenever Matsui and Cano come back, they have a lot of lefties huh?

Hell for right handed pitchers.

But, I hear that it is close to being official now ... Abreu and Lidle for four no names. At least this is what the Philly broadcasters are saying.

What kind of message does this send to the philly's fans?

They are saying now that they are talking about making the announcement ... and Abreu tipping the cap, saluting the fans.

[Kdub Red Sox Fan 4Life]

Abreu and Lidle for four no names.

The usual Yankee trade. Give up nothing of real value, just a boatload of $$$

Business as usual in the Bronx.

[plask_stirlac]

Hell for right handed pitchers.

But, I hear that it is close to being official now ... Abreu and Lidle for four no names. At least this is what the Philly broadcasters are saying.

What kind of message does this send to the philly's fans?

They are saying now that they are talking about making the announcement ... and Abreu tipping the cap, saluting the fans.

Well that's good that he got a gracious sendoff.

The message is "I'm Pat Gillick, let me figure it out." That and pray for one major leaguer from Abreu and a better Aaron Rowand from Thome!

[Brannu]

The usual Yankee trade. Give up nothing of real value, just a boatload of $$$

Business as usual in the Bronx.

Well .... here's the press release. Let me not call them "no names" ... they are "prospects." :)

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20060730&content_id=1583759&vkey=pr_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi

[yankillaz]

The Yankees have oficially killed their season. It's been good knowing ya guys. It's sad, i wanted Boston, New York and Toronto playing for a playoff spot by the final week of the season, but hey, one can dream. :rolleyes:

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

Wow. The new Yankees payroll is over $200 million. Somewhere around $212 mil. This could pay the Florida Marlins players 15 times over.

[Mattingly]

Are you saying it's not worth it? He's down a lot since last year's ASB, but it's kind of like Giambi in 2003 when he still hit over 40 HR. Think of him like a speedster who has had some pop. He easily led the NL in walks with guys like Howard right behind him. He helped Burrell get a lot of RBI while struggling with RISP, and easily held his own with R and RBI despite only 8 HRs.

I can't really explain his troubles in the last two late summers, even in Citizen's. That, along with the AL transition, is worrisome for his NY success. But this is such a cheap pickup, even with the salary. He has history and is always in the lineup, plus the Yankees could use some hitting like Abreu's without the line of 30 HR guys they expected.

He's kind of an enigma. Some say he doesn't handle pressure and isn't forceful or intense enough. Results show he bogards, even demands the no. 3 spot and its expectations, in Philadelphia. He hits better with RISP, and has for a while. His defense is average at worst, and has that strong and accurate arm. He performs well in so many areas, best or near best on some of those Philly teams. He could run like Rollins, ge on base like Thome, hit for doubles and extra bases like Utley. He's kind of like the Phillies in recent years, especially the offense. Some have been disappointed, for instance in 2004, but they were 2nd in runs scored behind the St. Louis juggernaut.
I think I may have misspoken. Looking at his splits (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?statsId=5698&type=batting&year=2006), he seems to hit well vs LHP & RHP, but unfortunately, significantly better by day than by night. Most week games are 7:05pm ET on the east coast and later by 1-3 hours in the central and west coasts. One hidden bonus I'd just come across is that his best offense is against Beantown, where he has a .409/.552/.773 line. A 1.325 OPS should not be ignored! :D

Truthfully, my biggest concern about him would be his so-called lackadaisical ways in RF. We've already had Sheffield and his right hand problem, so he couldn't do much other than throw the ball with his right hand, and he didn't seem to have as much range as I'd expected out there. Sheffield's bat has been huge, especially in 2004, but upon his return from injury (expected in September), I don't expect much offensive production from him.

As to Abreu's speed, I would like to see this both with the glove and on the basepaths. Even Sheffield stole a few bases to help the team. Heck, today, even Jorge Posada of all people stole a base. This after having tripled around Friday. Perhaps that urge to win can have a domino effect with Bobby.

I'm not sure what you mean by his not being forceful and intense enough? In his play? In his persona? Statements made in interviews which don't reflect full commitment?

If he hits better w/RISP, that's exactly what we need. Right now, I think that Giambi is having a "HR or nada" season where he either hits the big bopper or he whiffs (and often walks). A-Rod is in a very bad offense funk, however recently it's been error-free. We need someone coming through.

I'm laughing when you wrote "bogard". I haven't used that in ages (20 years ago, at least), and that and "demands the #3 spot" seem to go hand-in-hand. If he demands it like it's his, as if it's disrespectful for him to not get it, that's fine. I just hope that he's really very deserving of it and can hit the ground running. In either case, as a backup plan, Melky Cabrera can hit 2nd and Jeter can hit in the 3-hole. This puts less pressure on others and I have no issues w/>.350-hitting Jeter hitting 3rd.

All he has to do is be a productive player. Hopefully the boo birds don't swarm around him like A-Rod if he fails. Hopefully he does well. The next game is a Tuesday home series against Toronto. With Wright, Wang and Johnson pitching, I presume we'll have to hit quite well when Wright and Johnson pitch.

[Mattingly]

The usual Yankee trade. Give up nothing of real value, just a boatload of $$$

Business as usual in the Bronx.
Actually, I think that when a team gives up a boatload of cash, that means they're *SENDING* a hi-priced player away and assuming a large percentage of the player they're sending. In this case, the Yanks essentially had two choices:

Increase the quality of the farmhands being sent for a larger percentage of the contract being assumed by the trade partner; or

Decrease the quality of the farmhands being sent away for a larger percentage of the contract that the Yanks would assume.

In the case of the much-ballyhooed Randy Johnson trade, where prospect C, Dioner Navarro and MLB SP Javier Vazquez were traded, the Yanks gave Arizona a choice of lower prospects and a higher percentage of Yankee contributions to the deal. The D'backs chose Dioner who was the top Yankee prospect who was MLB-ready at the time, so they got a lesser Yankee financial contribution to the salaries. Had they chosen a lower-level prospect, the Yanks would've paid more money.

I don't know about you, but I'm happy that the Yanks didn't give up more money. In the end, seeing the players Phil Hughes, Jose Tabata become Yankees is a strong wish of mine. I also have no intention of giving up the oft-requested Wang, Cano and now Cabrera either. Not the best way to make a trade, I'll admit, but it does keep our players on board.
Lol! I think you should read what you wrote closely! :)

I'd looked at Giambi's and Rodriguez' splits and they'd both hit better when they'd hit 5th. Therefore, I'd keep Damon & Jeter as leadoff & #2; Abreu, 2nd; Damon, cleanup; Rodriguez, 5th.
I've since edited that to read Abreu batting 3rd, not 2nd. Oh gosh, I've gotta stop posting so often. Then again, that's all I do here anyway. :p

[Mattingly]

The Yankees have oficially killed their season. It's been good knowing ya guys. It's sad, i wanted Boston, New York and Toronto playing for a playoff spot by the final week of the season, but hey, one can dream. :rolleyes:
How have they killed their season? If anything, they've killed their payroll. That luxury tax will be maddening.

Right now, I see that when Matsui and Sheffield come back, which should happen within the next 3-4 weeks (Matsui) and 6 weeks (Sheffield), we'll have a glut of OFers. Immediately, someone has to go already. Here's our total OFers, both on and off the DL:

DL:
LF: Matsui
RF: Sheffield

25-man roster:
LF: Melky Cabrera
CF: Johnny Damon
RF: Bobby Abreu
Bench: Bernie Williams, Bubba Crosby, Aaron Guiel

Someone has to go, and I seriously doubt that the Mendoza line-hitting (but fine-fielding) Bubba Crosby stands a chance to remain on the roster. We've got Bernie, Guiel and Cabrera who can play CF or RF (Bernie's range is very limited), so he seems to be the first to go.

I'd say that assuming more payroll to get the players you need is the ugly way of doing things, but those prospects won't ever be seen again if you don't.
Wow. The new Yankees payroll is over $200 million. Somewhere around $212 mil. This could pay the Florida Marlins players 15 times over.
Abreu, Giambi, Jeter and Rodriguez alone could cover their payroll. Frightening on both ends, but that's one crazy thing I have to deal with as a Yankee fan. :)

[Appling]

Now that it is a "done deal", we have to see how Abreu handles the pressure of New York City. Will Yankee fans give him a honeymoon period, or will they be on his case from the start if his first game is 0-for 5 with an fielding miscue?

I hear that Yankee fans demand much from those "carpetbaggers" brought in from outside, especially if they have big salaries.

[Mattingly]

Now that it is a "done deal", we have to see how Abreu handles the pressure of New York City. Will Yankee fans give him a honeymoon period, or will they be on his case from the start if his first game is 0-for 5 with an fielding miscue?

I hear that Yankee fans demand much from those "carpetbaggers" brought in from outside, especially if they have big salaries.
That's a very valid point. Looking at the late Roger Maris, who was obtained via trade, there's no way he could've competed against the illustrious Mickey Mantle. Based upon his production, looks, speed or whatever, Mickey had it all. Maris just couldn't compete with this.

Jason Giambi is also a "carpetbagger", though I've heard that term used more often for politicians coming from other states. Still, his arrival was very much celebrated as we has our first true power hitter since Reggie Jackson, who'd been there at Jason's press conference.

In Abreu, I see a need to fill a slot, and that being filled by a power guy who can occupy the #3 spot well and hopefully doesn't need to DH that often. I still think that we have one too many starting outfielders once Matsui returns but we'll have to see what happens with the situation of Matsui, Damon, Abreu and Cabrera, who could either go on the bench or be traded, unfortunately.

After having seen Boggs and Clemens come aboard, especially after having to trade our affable ace Boomer for the unsmiling Clemens right after the 1998 WS, I figure we can deal with this also. It's not like Hughes, Tabata, Wang or Cabrera were traded, and Cano's on the DL, so he couldn't be traded. By this, there's less of a requirement for him to play beyond his means when a popular player is sent away.

Looking at things, I'm now wondering if losing Alfonso Soriano was another reason why A-Rod isn't the most popular player here. We Yankee fans can get really attached to players who've done well on the big club. :)

Now let's see how well he does in pinstripes on Tuesday, and may the boo birds give him the "grace period" you'd mentioned.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Bobby Abreu has been taken out of today's lineup. They're at home playing the Marlins.

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/gamecenter/live/MLB_20060730_FLA@PHI
I started Abreu today on my fantasy team because of the doubleheader so I lost two games worth of ABs. Fricking Yankees!! :grouchy

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Ok, now that I've calmed down. I don't see the big deal about Abreu. I have him on my fantasy team so I keep a close eye on him. He's more "name" than production these days. Since the All-Star Game he is hitting .192. Since June 1st, he has ONE home run. Since June 1st he is slugging .362. And this helps the Yankees how? :o

[Brannu]

At this point, baseball tonight has spent nearly 15 minutes talking about this trade, without showing one highlight.

They are on my nerves.

They will spend one minute on Belliard going from Cleveland to St. Louis. I mean, it's not comparable to what The Yankees did ... but, jeez, give us break.

Oh, there it is ... a highlight: Yankees. :)

[Mattingly]

Ok, now that I've calmed down. I don't see the big deal about Abreu. I have him on my fantasy team so I keep a close eye on him. He's more "name" than production these days. Since the All-Star Game he is hitting .192. Since June 1st, he has ONE home run. Since June 1st he is slugging .362. And this helps the Yankees how? :o
That's ugly. Hopefully, he steps up his production to his usual level. At least there's plenty of upside there. Between him, Giambi and A-Rod, that's tons of talent which could do much better offensively.

[plask_stirlac]

Well that .192 doesn't help. But plug him in over the entire season, and he always produces, even with bad Julys. Remember when Jeter was hitting liek a blind man in 2004?

[Honus Wagner Rules]

That's ugly. Hopefully, he steps up his production to his usual level. At least there's plenty of upside there. Between him, Giambi and A-Rod, that's tons of talent which could do much better offensively.
The Phillies have some big time bats, Howard, Utley, and Burrell, and he still wasn't putting up big numbers.

[ThePeach]

I've since edited that to read Abreu batting 3rd, not 2nd. Oh gosh, I've gotta stop posting so often. Then again, that's all I do here anyway. :p

FYI, it still reads Damon batting 1st and 4th, but I just assumed you meant Giambi 4th and made a typo.

[SoxSon]

FYI, it still reads Damon batting 1st and 4th, but I just assumed you meant Giambi 4th and made a typo.

I saw that, too, ThePeach, but I figured I'd leave the poor guy alone. ;) :D

[ElHalo]

The funny thing is, Jose Tabata actually projects a lot like Bobby Abreu. Lots of plate discipline, good contact hitting, fantastic speed, lots of defense. We'll see.

Tabata's current numbers, scaled to 162 games:

.303/.383/.427, 99 R, 101 RBI, 10 HR, 30 SB's.

Those are nice numbers, but not really the kind that would jump out and bite you from a Class A ball player. Except for that whole part where he's seventeen years old. Kieth Law from Scouts, Inc. has already said that Tabata will be ranked by him as the number one prospect in all of baseball this offseason... when he'll be 18.

Best part about this trade is that we keep Tabata and Hughes. I'm ecstatic about that; so, SO sick of seeing our prospects just fly to the winds for no reason in useless midseason trades. When we get legimitate studs like Tabata and Hughes, I want to hold on to them. We gave up a couple players who might have servicable major league careers someday, but nobody who really projects as a starter. I like this one.

And the payroll's still less than it was last season (which featured almost $35 mill going to Bernie and Kevin Brown). We'll lose Sheffield's contract next year, so the Abreu pickup won't really have a financial impact.

Just for fun, Hughes' current stats for Trenton:

1.03 WHIP, 10.25 K/9, 2.83 ERA... most stunningly, 0.52 HR/9 innings. For his career, the all time master of not giving up home runs, Greg Maddux, is at 0.62/9 innings.

[DodgerBlue81]

stinkin dirty Yankees adding more stars and payroll. :evil :grouchy

[flash143817]

Looks like a good lineup to me... May flip flop Giambi and Arod if there were a lefty on the mound... Abreu and Giambi give you back to back lefties...

With Damon, Abreu, Giambi and whenever Matsui and Cano come back, they have a lot of lefties huh?

I agree with the lefty/righty thing.

I'd go

Damon
Jeter
Abreu
ARod
Giambi

That would be the top 5 because it has the left/right balance so the opposing manager has a tougher time matching relievers. I always try to go left/right in the lineup if it's possible.

[PinstripesForever]

Thanks for the great banter/discussion/spam =P

[Honus Wagner Rules]

I still don't see why Yankee fans are so excited about Abreu? He's been garbage for two months (and dragging my fantasy team down with him).

[Mattingly]

I still don't see why Yankee fans are so excited about Abreu? He's been garbage for two months (and dragging my fantasy team with him).
You've got a very valid point. Perhaps the Phillies were just more than happy to part with his large salary.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/gamelog?playerId=3537

His April OPS was .994, he batted .300, had 8 doubles, 4 HR, 20 RBI.

In May, those same numbers were .919, .247, 6, 3, 21.

In June, they were .844, .309, 6, 1, 12.

In July, they were .680 :eek:, .250, 5, 8, 12.

Someone earlier had said that Abreu demands to hit in the #3 spot. To me, since he's not showing tons of pop in his bat, perhaps he could hit in the 2-hole after Damon. With his walk rate, this means that Jeter doesn't try bunting so often (he's a very good bunter, BTW) after Damon walks or singles. With 1-2 runner(s) on, a single gets some action going in the 1st inning.

I have no idea why Bobby's numbers have declined. Hopefully he's not hurt. Perhaps boredom. I don't know. Either case, I still think he's got lots of upside that needs to be harnessed.

[Redfoot]

I still don't see why Yankee fans are so excited about Abreu? He's been garbage for two months (and dragging my fantasy team down with him).

And despite those two garbage months, Abreu still finds himself 1st in MLB in P/PA, 1st in MLB in BBs, and 6th in MLB in OBP, which goes to show what kind of player he is to boast those credentials despite a recent slump. The Yankees flex their financial muscle again. Is it unfair? Who knows, but they've got another bat in the middle of their lineup that will wear pitchers down, AND a league average innings-eating starter to boot for some garbage prospects.

I'm just really, really curious to see what Boston does today now. They must be feeling some pressure having seen the Yankees land Abreu and cut their AL East deficit to a half a game in the same day. Boston's front office is extremely creative, so this should be fun.

[GiambiJuice]

I think Jeter should lead off, Abreu should bat 2nd and Damon should bad 7th or 8th, but that will never happen...

[Honus Wagner Rules]

And despite those two garbage months, Abreu still finds himself 1st in MLB in P/PA, 1st in MLB in BBs, and 6th in MLB in OBP, which goes to show what kind of player he is to boast those credentials despite a recent slump. The Yankees flex their financial muscle again. Is it unfair? Who knows, but they've got another bat in the middle of their lineup that will wear pitchers down, AND a league average innings-eating starter to boot for some garbage prospects.
So Abreu walks a lot? I'll give him that. But I think the Yankees want more from him than a bunch of walks given his huge salary. Ok, I'll go through this again.

Since June 1st Abreu:

1) has hit ONE home run (FOUR home runs since April 20th)

2) is slugging .362.

3) scored just 20 runs (I guess all those walks are really helping, huh?)

Here are some more info. In night games he is hitting .239/.397/.376. When your OBP is higher than your slugging percentage, that is not a good sign. Since the All-Star break he is hitting .192/.306/.250. :eek: Need I say more?


I'm just really, really curious to see what Boston does today now. They must be feeling some pressure having seen the Yankees land Abreu and cut their AL East deficit to a half a game in the same day. Boston's front office is extremely creative, so this should be fun.
Or maybe they are happy the Yankees got Abreu given his recent performance.

[NickG]

Great trade for the Yankees. Any time you can pick up a >.400 OBP and put him in the place of what little Melky Cabrera and Bernie Williams have brought to the lineup, you've made a good deal. I think the Yanks are maybe three or four games better over the rest of the season than they were two days ago, for adding both Abreu and Lidle, who I have figured as a significant upgrade over the Chacons of the world, even if he's no world-beater himself.

[Mattingly]

Here are some more info. In night games he is hitting .239/.397/.376. When your OBP is higher than your slugging percentage, that is not a good sign. Since the All-Star break he is hitting .192/.306/.250. :eek: Need I say more?
Let's check back in 7 days from Tuesday's game. That'll be his first as a Yankee, and it being a home game, he'll be wearing pinstripes.

Next week Tuesday the Yanks will play again, also with a Monday off.

I'm crossing my fingers that he'd been bored in Philly and wasn't enthused to hit well. Could be because his team wasn't faring well. Then again, I could just be another Yankee homer. :D

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Let's check back in 7 days from Tuesday's game. That'll be his first as a Yankee, and it being a home game, he'll be wearing pinstripes.

Next week Tuesday the Yanks will play again, also with a Monday off.

I'm crossing my fingers that he'd been bored in Philly and wasn't enthused to hit well. Could be because his team wasn't faring well. Then again, I could just be another Yankee homer. :D
I really really, REALLY need Abreu to get it going! I got hammered this past week in my H2H fantasy league! :grouchy And yes, you are a Yankee homer. :D

[Mattingly]

I really really, REALLY need Abreu to get it going! I got hammered this past week in my H2H fantasy league! :grouchy And yes, you are a Yankee homer. :D
Hopefully a winning team can do something for him. He'll be in the belly of the beast right now.

Hopefully, he does well against Red Sox pitching, as well as others whom he faces.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Hopefully a winning team can do something for him. He'll be in the belly of the beast right now.

Hopefully, he does well against Red Sox pitching, as well as others whom he faces.
I have no idea what happened to his power? :confused:

[Mattingly]

I have no idea what happened to his power? :confused:
Nosedived over the past 3 months. Either case, he can have the #3 spot, since this forces Giambi and Rodriguez into the cleanup and #5 spot where they're better used. If he walks or starts hitting again, he should be fine.

Only a day away. Stay tuned. Of course, if he does well, then you will have to force yourself to admit being a Yankee fan. :D :p ;) :eek:

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Nosedived over the past 3 months. Either case, he can have the #3 spot, since this forces Giambi and Rodriguez into the cleanup and #5 spot where they're better used. If he walks or starts hitting again, he should be fine.

Only a day away. Stay tuned. Of course, if he does well, then you will have to force yourself to admit being a Yankee fan. :D :p ;) :eek:
As long as Abreu gets my fantasy team into the playoffs. If he hits .350/.480/.650 with 20 HRs over the final two months of the season all will be forgiven. ;)

[Brannu]

I imagine Abreu returning to form on a winning team. He may not hit 30 homeruns, but, I believe he will be much more motivated and productive.

But, as the saying goes, "we'll see."

[JordanDL3891]

What do you think Abreu's Jersey # will be and where do you think he will bat in the lineup? with an over .400 obp, I am going to guess 3rd and Jeter 2nd.

[Mattingly]

I didnt read any of the above cause I gtg, so I hope I am not repeting anything.

What do you think Abreu's Jersey # will be and where do you think he will bat in the lineup? with an over .400 obp, I am going to guess 3rd and Jeter 2nd.
Abreu likely will keep his #53. His ex-manager, Larry Bowa (2001-04) will likely give up his #53.

As to where in the lineup, I could see that with his recent power outage, he'd hit #2. If Jeter can hit #3, then this avoids him bunting when Damon walks or singles in the 1st. If Damon and/or Abreu are on base, then I belive the table will have been set nicely for Jeter, Rodriguez and Giambi to drive them in.

[JordanDL3891]

Yea that sounds good and put Jeter 3rd cause he has a high avg.

I can't really see Abreu Batting 2nd, he isn't really fast is he?

[TonyStarks]

I'm all for batting Abreu 2nd because of his OBP and Jeter's, is having what maybe his best season so far, so if I was Torre batting Jeter 3rd followed by Giambi and ARod would be the best line-up.

[Redfoot]

So Abreu walks a lot? I'll give him that. But I think the Yankees want more from him than a bunch of walks given his huge salary. Ok, I'll go through this again.

Since June 1st Abreu:

1) has hit ONE home run (FOUR home runs since April 20th)

2) is slugging .362.

3) scored just 20 runs (I guess all those walks are really helping, huh?)

Here are some more info. In night games he is hitting .239/.397/.376. When your OBP is higher than your slugging percentage, that is not a good sign. Since the All-Star break he is hitting .192/.306/.250. :eek: Need I say more?

For all that's been said about Abreu's diminished power, it's only his homerun stroke that has deteriorated. He has 35 extra-base hits this season, which is one less than Derek Jeter, three less than A-Rod and four less than Johnny Damon. I'm not very interested in your two month sample, either. I guess it's convenient for your argument to throw out the first two months as if they mean nothing, but place a heavy emphasis on the most recent two months as if they are the end-all be-all to Abreu's 2006 performance.

Here's a link for you:

http://www.hardballtimes.com/thtstats/main/?view=winshares

Abreu is 14th in the Majors in Win Shares, ahead of guys named Hafner, Wells, and Rolen to name a few.

Or maybe they are happy the Yankees got Abreu given his recent performance.

I'm sure they're thrilled that the Yankees stash a .427 OBP in the middle of their order with the possibilities of Cano and Matsui returning in August, and Sheffield in September.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

For all that's been said about Abreu's diminished power, it's only his homerun stroke that has deteriorated. He has 35 extra-base hits this season, which is one less than Derek Jeter, three less than A-Rod and four less than Johnny Damon. I'm not very interested in your two month sample, either. I guess it's convenient for your argument to throw out the first two months as if they mean nothing, but place a heavy emphasis on the most recent two months as if they are the end-all be-all to Abreu's 2006 performance.

I think Yankee fans should be very interested in his recenty two month performance. He's been in decline for two months. It doesn't bother you that he has one HR since June 1st and is slugging .362 over the past two months? Of his 35 XBHs only 12 have come since June 1st. He had just five extra base hits in all of July.




Here's a link for you:

http://www.hardballtimes.com/thtstats/main/?view=winshares

Abreu is 14th in the Majors in Win Shares, ahead of guys named Hafner, Wells, and Rolen to name a few.



I'm sure they're thrilled that the Yankees stash a .427 OBP in the middle of their order with the possibilities of Cano and Matsui returning in August, and Sheffield in September.

Abreu has 18 WS and Hanfer has 17 WS so the difference is meaningless, especially since Hafner is a DH and adds no defensive value. Rolen has 17 WS as well. The WS system is not fine enough to really differentiate between one win share. Bill James even said thes in his Win shares book.

[Redfoot]

I think Yankee fans should be very interested in his recenty two month performance. He's been in decline for two months. It doesn't bother you that he has one HR since June 1st and is slugging .362 over the past two months? Of his 35 XBHs only 12 have come since June 1st. He had just five extra base hits in all of July.

Abreu has 18 WS and Hanfer has 17 WS so the difference is meaningless, especially since Hafner is a DH and adds no defensive value. Rolen has 17 WS as well. The WS system is not fine enough to really differentiate between one win share. Bill James even said thes in his Win shares book.

I'm not a Yankees fan, but no, I'm not worried about Abreu's last two months, because his first two months were so good that his totals are still impressive. That's evidence that his true talent level is still very high. You can cherry-pick two months worth of stats for lots of guys to paint ugly pictures, but the fact is that it's not a large enough sample for any conclusions to be made.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

I'm not a Yankees fan, but no, I'm not worried about Abreu's last two months, because his first two months were so good that his totals are still impressive. That's evidence that his true talent level is still very high. You can cherry-pick two months worth of stats for lots of guys to paint ugly pictures, but the fact is that it's not a large enough sample for any conclusions to be made.
You accuse me of cherry picking yet you cherry pick the first two months?! :laugh

The real Abreu is obviosuly better than what he has shown these past two months but it's not a foregone conclusion that he will snap out of it. Sometimes players just have bad seasons.

[Redfoot]

You accuse me of cherry picking yet you cherry pick the first two months?! :laugh


I hope you're not being serious. I am using the last 8 YEARS of his career in addition to the first 2 months of this season to represent his true talent level. You are using the last two months. That's cherry-picking at its finest.

[Mattingly]

Yea that sounds good and put Jeter 3rd cause he has a high avg.

I can't really see Abreu Batting 2nd, he isn't really fast is he?
Sometimes a leadoff or #2 hitter isn't ideal. If a team lacks speed demons, then the high-OBP guys with little power may suffice. The table's gotta be set somehow and by somebody, right?

You could put Jeter as #2 because of his speed. However, Abreu has to be at least faster than Posasda. If he's as slow as Giambi, that's a problem. At least Giambi hustles, though he looks like he's running backwards at times. :p

When Giambi was walking nonstop (but not hitting, which frustrated us), some Yankee fans wondered aloud if having him bat leadoff wasn't such a bad idea. Absurd to many, but he was getting on base at a .400+ clip.

If Abreu can avoid getting picked off, doesn't try stealing bases he has no place trying for, and can execute a decent hit-and-run, I'd consider it. It's more logical baserunning than how well he runs the 40-yard dash.
You accuse me of cherry picking yet you cherry pick the first two months?! :laugh

The real Abreu is obviosuly better than what he has shown these past two months but it's not a foregone conclusion that he will snap out of it. Sometimes players just have bad seasons.
I hope you're not being serious. I am using the last 8 YEARS of his career in addition to the first 2 months of this season to represent his true talent level. You are using the last two months. That's cherry-picking at its finest.
This homer Yankee fan will be cherry-picking the next 7 days and resulting 2 months of Yankee baseball to see if he was simply bored in Philly or if he's really just fallen off the radar screen as to his power. I remember reading something by Corey Lidle that he'd felt alone in his willingness to win that day's game, and he'd embrace the likelihood that he would be winning that day's game.

Sometimes when one's heart & soul is into it, the body soon follows. That's my thinking. Now let me go find myself a nice cherry picker before tonight's game starts! :D

http://www.fotosearch.com/comp/SUE/SUE105/TOCL0008.jpg

[Honus Wagner Rules]

I hope you're not being serious. I am using the last 8 YEARS of his career in addition to the first 2 months of this season to represent his true talent level. You are using the last two months. That's cherry-picking at its finest.
No, you cherry picked the first two months. This is your quote:


I'm not a Yankees fan, but no, I'm not worried about Abreu's last two months, because his first two months were so good that his totals are still impressive.
I see no mention of the "past eight years" mentioned here.

[Redfoot]

No, you cherry picked the first two months. This is your quote:


I see no mention of the "past eight years" mentioned here.

And the last 8 years of his career tend to suggest that the first two months of 2006 are much more representative of his talent level than the last two months, no?

[SoxSon]

You guys are arguing semantics here...just let it go, please.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

And the last 8 years of his career tend to suggest that the first two months of 2006 are much more representative of his talent level than the last two months, no?
Of course. However his 2004-2005 seasons showed dramatic drops in performance in the second half. I hope Abreu gets it going because my fantasy team needs him!! :ughh

[Honus Wagner Rules]

You guys are arguing semantics here...just let it go, please.
I say to-mato, he says to-ma-to. :D

[Mattingly]

Of course. However his 2004-2005 seasons showed dramatic drops in performance in the secodn half. I hope Abreu gets it going because my fantasy team needs him!! :ughh
Instead of you two cherry pickers making noise, why don't you just put on one of these and wish him well for the sake of your fantasy team:

http://mlb.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p925487reg.jpg

[soberdennis]

I love the trade. We needed another outfielder and another starter. We got both. Unlike what people were saying we were able to keep Melky, Hughes, and most of the other top prospects whose names were bantered around. What more can you ask? I think we got a steal.

[ElHalo]

Yea that sounds good and put Jeter 3rd cause he has a high avg.

I can't really see Abreu Batting 2nd, he isn't really fast is he?

Huh? In the last five seasons, Abreu has 36, 31, 22, 40, and 31 SB's, and had 20 SB's through the trade this season. How doesthat qualify as "not fast"?

[baseball junkie]

Welcome to the Bronx Zoo Abreu.

By the way, his honeymoon is over in about three games. Then he can expect the booing to commence.