In Philadelphia…what's old, is new again.
Tuesday, the Phillies agreed to bring back outfielder Bobby Abreu, inking him to a Minor League deal worth, should he make the team, a reported $800,000.
"We've seen him over the last several weeks," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "He's been really swinging the bat well. On top of that, he's in very good shape and he's very motivated. I talked to him directly maybe 10 days ago or so. Bobby said, 'Ruben, I'd love to finish my career as a Phillie.' I said, 'Well, let's see what we've got.' We've kept our eye on him."
Abreu took this past season off, but, he's been keeping active, most recently, playing winter ball in Venezuela. In 180 plate appearances for Leones del Caracas, the two-time All-Star hit .322 with ten doubles, three triples, three home runs and 28 RBIs.
"The biggest thing is whether or not he'll be able to do it at this level after taking a year off, but he's very motivated. This is a no-risk deal. He's got a high on-base percentage. He has the ability to create good at-bats. Maybe he can be an extra outfielder that can give us a little extra punch off the bench."
And if he can provide that punch, he'll likely add to his already impressive resume.
In his 17 big league seasons, Abreu carries a .292 batting average, 2437 hits and an impressive 565 doubles. Equally, if not more impressive, is this. The veteran, who turns 40 in March, is just one stolen bases shy of 400 for his career and 13 home runs away from 300. Should he reach both of those milestones, he’ll become just the third player (and the first not named Bonds) to hit 300 home runs and steal 400 bases.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
