Bobby Abreu, OF, New York Yankees

August 2, 2006 @ 16:00:00

By Steven Kraser
Edited by Ryan Dodson

On the day before the trading deadline, patience paid off for the New York Yankees, as they acquired outfielder Bobby Abreu from the Philadelphia Phillies for a package of prospects (shortstop C.J. Henry, pitcher Matt Smith, pitcher Carlos Monasterios and catcher Jesus Sanchez). Abreu was long rumored in coming to New York, but for major league talent (reliever Scott Proctor) and highly rated prospects (starter Philip Hughes). The Yankees also received starter Cory Lidle in the trade, filling another hole that has been there all season. Due to the Yankees not having to give up huge value, the trade has been widely reviewed as a steal for New York.

THE GAME PLAN

Abreu immediately becomes the everyday right fielder. With outfielder Gary Sheffield (wrist) now on his second stint on the DL after surgery, the right field position has been a mix-and-match situation virtually all season, with very minimal power numbers among outfielders Bernie Williams, Bubba Crosby, Aaron Guiel and Kevin Thompson.

Table: Combined Statistics of Williams, Crosby, Guiel and Thompson (as right fielders)

AB	R	H	HR	RBI	BB	SO	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
262	36	68	12	41	17	36	.286	.349	.434	.551

Even though Abreu's power numbers are down from previous seasons, he is a steady threat and single-handily plugs one of the two gaping corner outfield holes the Yankees have had (left fielder Hideki Matsui has missed most of the season – wrist).

Table: Abreu's Statistics with Philadelphia

AB	R	H	HR	RBI	BB	SO	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
339	61	94	8	65	91	86	.277	.427	.434	.918

Abreu found himself batting fifth, behind third baseman Alex Rodriguez, in his Yankee debut Aug. 1. That spot will most likely be where he'll be found the majority of the time - and New York will benefit from Abreu's knack for getting on base. The Yankees' top six in the batting order will look like this:

• Johnny Damon, CF
• Derek Jeter, SS
• Jason Giambi, 1B/DH
• A-Rod, 3B
• Abreu, RF
• Posada, C

Note: If Matsui returns, he will slide into the sixth spot, with Posada dropping to seventh.

NEW SURROUNDINGS

In Philadelphia, Abreu had the pressure of being the primary power supplier. With the Yankees, he's just one of many who can be a difference maker any day. He may have an adjustment period, as most notable stars have endured when coming over, but the notion of finally playing for a winning team and with something at stake may benefit Abreu.

BOTTOM LINE

Abreu's presence in the Yankees' lineup immediately improves an already dynamic run-producing machine. Rodriguez will benefit with being protected by Abreu, and expect Abreu to pick up his home run and RBI space with a friendly right field porch in his new home stadium.

KFFLians are saying....

Comment

 

---

What do you think? We want to hear from you!

Name: E-mail: Please, enter the number that you see

Comment Guidelines

Steven Kraser

Steven Kraser is a management consultant for the sports management and entertainment business. He has consulted for professional and college franchises, leagues and news agencies in the areas of strategy, finance, and business operations. He has been a KFFL Contributor since 2003.

Talk Sports 24/7!
KFFL Sports Forums: Over 24,000 strong and growing!

One Day FREE Fantasy Contest - $350 in cash prizes (05/24)
Fantasy baseball players in the news (05/24)
Fantasy football players in the news (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Dee Gordon's problems at bat (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Player Prospecting: Will Smith, Yordano Ventura, Wil Myers, more (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Roundtable: How trade talks develop (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: Tyler Clippard, J.J. Putz (05/23)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Mark Teixeira's ill beginnings (05/23)
Fantasy NASCAR race preview: Coca-Cola 600 (05/23)
Fantasy baseball closer depth charts - AL (05/23)