» Bobby Abreu

First off, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter and to also congratulate the Boston University Terriers for winning the National Championship in hockey.

Now to baseball, where things got a little out of hand in the 1st inning of the final game between the Sox and Angels. Bobby Abreu called time as Josh Beckett was delivering his pitch, sending it near Abreu’s head. Both benches cleared, some words were exchanged, and when the smoke cleared Torii Hunter, LA batting coach Mickey Hatcher, pitcher Justin Speier, and manager Mike Scioscia were heading to the locker room. Beckett really isn’t to blame since the late time threw him off his rythem, as it does to all pitchers, and the ball happened to be near Abreu. Had it been anyone other than Abreu—a former Yankee—and had the Adenhart tragedy not been so fresh in their minds, cooler heads most likely would have prevailed.

Kevin Youkilis and JD Drew started the offense in the 2nd with back-to-back solo home runs. The Angels would strike for three runs in the 3rd then one more in the 5th to take a 4-2 lead into the 6th. The Sox then drew within one that inning, but could not hold off LA, falling 5-4 and suffering their fourth loss of the season.

Boston heads to Oakland to take on the Athletics for a three game series. Jon Lester gets the ball for Boston, opposing Dallas Branden. First pitch is 10:05 in the east, 7:05 out west.

Bye Bye Yanks, hello LA. Abreau is headed to the Angels! To be honest, it is a monster pickup in my humble opinion. Sure they lost K-Rod, but another bat in the lineup will certainly increase the cushion for the next closer in those late innings.

According to some reports, the Angels are eyeing to offer a deal to free-agent outfielder Bobby Abreu, although General Manager Tony Reagins still has to comment on this subject.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com said that two general managers are told that Abreu will be transferred to an American League team. Another source told Rosenthal that the deal concerning the Angels was closed.

Two other sources said that Abreu and the Angels have had a stern conversation involving the outfielder’s on year deal with the team.
When Abreu entered the free agency pool, and went on finding a potential three year contract averaging $16 million, but in a league overflowing with talent and a not so good market made Abreu to think twice, although there had been rumors that he would go for and $8 million, one year deal.

Boasting a career average of a .300 hitter with a .498 slugging percentage along with a .405 on-base percentage, Abreu would provide a good balance to a team that is full of right handed bats. Kendry Morales, who is expected to replace Mark Teixeira this season at first base, is the only left handed player with power.

If Abreu signs with the team, this would put a mark of ending Garret Anderson’s chances of suiting up for the Angels. Anderson, the club’s most prolific offensive player is also a free agent, with the Mariners expressing their interest along with Ken Griffey, Jr.

“I’m just waiting to see where this goes,” Anderson said. “I’m being patient, and I’m optimistic something will get done.”
Signing Abreu will mean leaving Adam Dunn on the market. All these for the fact that they see Abreu as the best all around player, being able to play bothe left and right field, not considering his history as a good base runner.

Abreu has stolen 22 or more bases for the past 10 seasons, and being with the Yankees in 2006 after 8 1/2 seasons with the Phillies.
He began his career with the Astros in 1996.

Abreu has produced at least 100 RBIs across seven of the past eight seasons, and has delivered 20 or more home runs in his eight of the past 10 seasons.
With Gary Matthews Jr.’s accessibility for the start of the season questionable due to his recovery from knee surgery, Abreu would join Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter and Juan Rivera in a four-man rotation that would be involving the three outfield spots and the designated-hitter role.