Maybe it’s just because he’s not slumping anymore, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE that Bobby Abreu beats out SO many ground balls that would be automatic outs for so many others, and he beats out so many routine GIDP balls. It makes me so happy. And it’s surprising, because he doesn’t have the build of a speedster like Jose Reyes.

Makes me happy.

Always thought i would say no way on this guy.
While i would not invest in a multiple year contract, I do believe in the motivation of the walk year and would spend the $16m for one. It does not appear to be a big offseason for corner OFs and he does fill the three hole fairly well. The minor league options are at least two years away. Plus, he seems comfortable.

I don’t think the Yanks should sign him. I agree he’s played much better and with more enthusiasm for much of the season, but he’s too inconsistent (especially for that kind of money) and old. i think the team is better off spending that kind of money with someone with more upside – either younger and/or cheaper (Rowand?), or spending it towards Sp and RP help. Priorities should be pitching and then 1b as OF is always easier to fill. Of course we have to get a-rod back – the arguments advanced towards keeping abreu apply moreso toward Alex.

Yeah, FWIW, I am always impressed in the way Bobby runs the bases. He does hustle his butt down the line too on DP attempts. His baserunning is nothing to be ashamed about.

To me, picking up his option is almost a no-brainer. He gets on base a lot (even though this is a down year for him) and he has some pop. He’s not a good outfielder but he does have a plus arm and plus speed.

I think it’s almost a lock they’ll bring him back. Is there anyone other there available who would fit as a replacement?

Earlier this year it really looked like Bobby would just be holding down rightfield until 2009 when Jose Tabata would be out there. But he got hurt again. The guy who ended up emerging last year was one of my favorite prospects, Austin Jackson. After a middling start repeating low-A, he got moved to Tampa and absolutely murdered the ball for the rest of the year. He played with Trenton in their playoffs and held his own. He’ll probably start the year with Trenton in ’08 with a possible ticket for the big leagues in ’09. So who knows — maybe it will be Melky over in right with Jackson in center.

Or let us dream of a Jackson-center, Tabata-right, Melky-left outfield alignment…