New York Yankees: After Release, Should Bombers Look into Bobby Abreu Reunion?
April 27, 2012 · Doug Rush · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
On Friday, the Los Angeles Angels made a roster move they were trying to make for a couple of months.
They released veteran outfielder/designated hitter Bobby Abreu, who was in the final year of his three-year deal with the Angels.
The Angels are on hook for the remaining $9 million left on Abreu’s deal, so whoever takes on Abreu is getting him for the league minimum.
Abreu was only hitting .208 with no home runs and five RBI in just eight games, and was regulated to being a part-time player for Mike Scioscia, something Abreu was not a fan of.
Could the Yankees look into taking a chance on Abreu for 2012?
Right now, they have Raul Ibanez as their designated hitter, but lately with Brett Gardner on the disabled list, Ibanez has been playing in the outfield more, both in left and right field.
After making a trade-deadline deal with the Phillies in July of 2006, Abreu had nearly three solid seasons with the Yankees playing in right field, as he averaged right around .300 for them with 20 home runs and 100 RBI.
At 38 years old, Abreu is nearing the end of his career, but as a left-handed hitter in Yankee Stadium, he could benefit from playing with the short right field porch.
In the winter, the Yankees nearly made a trade for Abreu as they were trying to unload A.J. Burnett and would have gotten Abreu, but Burnett nixed the deal by using his no-trade clause because he did not want to pitch out west.
Back in late March, Abreu was nearly dealt to the Cleveland Indians, but the two teams couldn’t agree on how much of the $9 million that the Angels were on hook for. Since then, Cleveland has taken former Yankee Johnny Damon, so they likely have no need for Abreu now.
With Abreu now a free agent, the Yankees could always use the extra fire-power and could see a rejuvenation if Abreu hits like he did from 2006-2008 with the Yankees.
Of course, the Yankees could just pass on Abreu and let another American League team, but for the veteran minimum, and with the Angels on hook for Abreu’s deal, how could it hurt the Yankees?
If Abreu doesn’t work out, they could simply release him and move on; kind of like they did with Richie Sexson in 2008 after the Seattle Mariners released him.
Or, they could get the Abreu that works counts, gets hits, gets on base and drives in runs, which is why the Yankees traded for him in 2006 and nearly traded for him again in the winter.
He did it once while playing for the Yankees. Maybe lightning could strike again?
And like I said, for the veteran’s minimum, it couldn’t hurt them to see what he has left with his bat.
Stay tuned, Yankees Universe.
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