"I'm a family-oriented person," Abreu said. I cant say for sure that hell be one of my top ten picks in 2024, when Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, Chase Utley, and David Wright join the BBWAA ballot. Defensively, Abreu had been a solid performer in his 20s but regressed significantly in his 30s. After getting off to a slow start in (2007), Abreu finished the season strong putting up 101 RBI, 16 home runs and a .283 batting average. Abreu announced his retirement from baseball on September 26. On August 6, Abreu hit his 250th career home run when he led off the fifth inning with a solo home run off Chicago White Sox pitcher John Danks. Abreu received MVP votes in 7 different seasons but was not once ever in the top 10 in his league. HOUSTON (AP) Jos Abreu and the World Series champion Astros agreed to a $58.5 million, three-year contract Monday, adding another powerful bat to Houstons lineup. He also hit a career-high 31 home runs and had a career-high 110 RBI. Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'8zCWRNQ7Rud9prfpeUFLNQ',sig:'n62U_wIfb1W75yLzECeaU4kaQDUovwOEd-PvC-FWBrI=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'120118099',caption: false ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); In 2011, at the age of 37, Abreu served mostly as the teams designated hitter, playing in 142 games, his fewest since 1997. She even helped pick his jersey No. [1], In 1999, he made a brief run at the batting title. Remembering that WAR is an approximation, its not easy to look at these numbers and conclude that Bobby Abreu is more worthy than any of the others. Or at least a case against him. Should Roger Maris Have a Plaque in the Hall of Fame? [43], In 2,425 games over 18 seasons, Abreu posted a .291 batting average (2,470-for-8,480) with 1,453 runs, 574 doubles, 59 triples, 288 home runs, 1,363 RBI, 400 stolen bases, 1,476 bases on balls, .395 on-base percentage and .475 slugging percentage. [40][41] In 2009, he led the American League in percent of pitches taken at 67.5%,[42] while also having the fourth lowest percentage of swinging at the first pitch at 9.5%. With the Phillies, Abreu never got a chance to perform in the postseason. I might not run into walls. The Chicago Cubs are expected to pursue free-agent first baseman Jos Abreu this offseason, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. 16,971st in major league history) WebBryan Abreu. He just didnt have the fame of Gwynn, across his career. Furthermore, the only 3 other players to accomplish this rare feat are Hall of Famers Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker, and Ed Delahanty. So we look to OPS+. Overall, in what started off as a mediocre season, the left-handed-hitting Venezuelan hit .297 with a .424 OBP. Because of his good skills, he becomes the team's offensive leader. 8 career triples, 9 career SB, 25% Extra Bases Taken (which is stunningly low). In the end, I couldnt ignore that he finished his career with more WAR, homers, stolen bases, and a better OPS than more than half of the current Hall of Fame outfielders. Hes highly unlikely to come close this year. Bobby Abreu had 2,470 hits over his career. If he played any other era, he would be in the HOF! [16] The six RBIs tied Gil McDougald's 55-year franchise record for most in one inning (McDougald batted in six runs in one inning in 1951, his rookie season). Abreu signed It was Abreu's mother, Daisy Correa Diaz, who encouraged him to leave Cuba. Andruw Jones: Best Defensive Center Fielder Ever? I would be one of those people, particularly in regard to Edmonds, who won 8 Gold Gloves and was a significant postseason performer. Bobby Abreus age is 48. 2-time All-Star outfielder who won the Silver Slugger award in 2004 and the Home Run Derby in 2005. The 48-year-old baseball player was born in Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela. Before entering the Majors in 1996, he was the Houston Astros Minor League Player of the Year. In May, Abreu was honored as the Player of the Month in the National League, after he hit .396 and 11 home runs. In the last 91 seasons (since 1928), only 2 players have slugged for 0.475 or more and stolen 400 or more bases Barry Bonds and Bobby Abreu. I watched Bobby Abreu play many years in Philly. In his first two seasons in Anaheim, Abreu continued to be a useful player with the bat, posting a 118 OPS+. Bobby helped his teams win for a LONG time. It's 1:45 p.m. on a Friday afternoon at Camelback Ranch, almost two hours after the day's workout has ended, and the only sounds at the facility are coming from souped-up trucks, sports cars pulling out of the players' parking lot and those poor balls being crushed by Abreu's bat. I couldnt remember any but did find one. Cobra: Will Dave Parker have Another Chance to Strike at Cooperstown? Thanks for reading. Having said that, many people would argue that some of the other outfielders on this list are in fact worthy of the Hall of Fame. Abreu has received only eight votes with 126 ballots made public through Sunday and will need about a dozen more just to secure the 5% necessary to stay on the Bobby Abreu had 288 home runs over his career. Agreed, Konerkos 28.1 WAR is surprisingly low, considering that 3 of his top 5 similarity score players are Willie Stargell, Orlando Cepeda, and Fred McGriff. [1], After sitting out the 2013 season, Abreu participated in the 201314 Venezuelan Winter League and logged a .322 batting average in 180 plate appearances with Leones del Caracas. Abreu would have become the Yankees' regular designated hitter, but Burnett vetoed the trade. Quick: can you remember one notable thing Bobby Abreu ever did in his 20 postseason games? They were spotted together at the stadium in 2019. Abreu was courted by several teams, but he eventually signed a six-year, $68 million deal with the White Sox in October. [30] He had six hits in his 17 at-bats for the Isotopes before rejoining the Dodgers as a September call-up, spending the last month of the season as a pinch hitter. There are a few advocates, however, worth noting: A five-tool player with dazzling speed, a sweet left-handed stroke, and enough power to win a Home Run Derby, Abreu was a stathead favorite thanks to his otherworldly plate discipline. I think not. "He's been everything we have hoped for and more," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. At not quite his best (with the Yankees, Angels, Dodgers, and Mets), he was a solid starting player turned DH and pinch-hitter. In that, his final baseball campaign, he hit .248 with a 97 OPS+ in 155 plate appearances. He really could bat in any of the top 5 spots and be productive as proof he both scored 100 runs and/or 100 RBI in season 8 times. RELATED: Jose Abreu wants to play baseball in 2023 Abreu has earned Rookie of the Year, MVP, three All-Star nods and three Silver Sluggers since arriving on the team. This is a spot in the order traditionally reserved for the teams best hitter. The 6-foot-3, 255-pound Cuban slugger starts his workday every morning at 7 a.m. in the batting cage, and he ends it there six or seven hours later when one of his coaches relays some version of "that's enough for today." Exceeded rookie limits during 1997 season, More Bobby Abreu Pages at Baseball Reference. Like you said, he was great at many different parts of the game. As for Vizquel, he was doing very well in the BBWAA voting (49.1% in 2020) and seemed likely to make it to Cooperstown thanks to his fielding reputation but has fallen off a cliff in the voting because of two personal scandals. [20] In 2009, he led the AL in errors by an outfielder, with 8. Not sure if this alters your opinion but Abreu and Barry Bonds are the only 2 players in MLB history with 400+ SB, 1,350+ RBI, and 1,400+ BB over a career. Its a spot in the order where the player is expected to drive in runs. Hed have 3000 hits easily. Abreu had an 18-year career in which only twice he was considered worthy of making the All-Star Game. WebGet the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about right fielder Bobby Abreu on ESPN. He had two seasons in which he collected thirty home runs and thirty stolen bases, making him one of thirteen players to have achieved the 3030 club twice in a career. Abreu was listed on 2020 Baseball Hall of Fame balloting; other than Derek Jeter, he was the only first-year candidate to receive at least 5% of the vote,[46] enabling him to appear on the 2021 ballot, when he garnered 8.7%, thus qualifying him to appear on the 2022 ballot. Abreu is financially set for life, and his family could join him in the United States sometime soon. Bobby Abreu weighed 220 lbs (99 kg) when playing. Abreu did only slightly better in 2021 (8.7%) and in 2022 (8.6%). Known as "Pito" in Cuba, Abreu's new White Sox teammates quickly embraced him, nicknaming him "Yogi" and "Oso," the Spanish word for bear because of his size and strength. They say I dont play hard. "A large part of the appeal to us for signing Jose was his professionalism and how serious he was about his craft. September 28, 2014 What Abreu has is something that is slowly but surely being recognized throughout the game and that is the ability to get on base. It's also available for football, basketball and hockey. Even a casual baseball fan should know the name Bobby Abreu but I doubt very many of you have ever given a second thought to him being worthy of the Hall of Fame. High School Liceo Aragua Debut September 1, He came to play and was able to remain durable. You need to add Rickey Henderson. ve, High School: Aragua (Aragua, Venezuela), Debut: [1], In 2002, he led the league in doubles (50), and was sixth in walks (104), seventh in stolen bases (31) and intentional walks (13), eighth in OBP (.413), ninth in hits (176), and tenth in runs (102). In 2006, Abreu led the major leagues in walks (124), pitches per plate appearance (4.45), and number of pitches seen (3,056), and was second in the major leagues in percent of plate appearances that were walks (18.5%),[15] and led the AL in percentage of pitches taken (66.2), and in walks per plate appearance (.181), third in batting average on balls in play (.375),[15] eighth in on-base percentage (.424), 18th in stolen bases (30), and 19th in doubles (41). All images are property the copyright holder and are displayed here for informational purposes only. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? He has been a single-season league leader in games played (twice), doubles, and triples. "You know, we definitely going to miss him. Some scouts wonder how Abreu will handle big league pitching or if he is nimble enough to move around defensively at first base. [35][36] However, just four days later on August 14, the Mets re-signed Abreu to another minor league contract. He hopes all of the hard work -- the hours spent in the batting cage before his teammates arrive at the complex and after they have pulled out of the parking lot -- will pay off. Bob Kelly Abreu (/bre.u/; Spanish:[bo aew]; born March 11, 1974), nicknamed "El Comedulce" and also "La Leche", is a Venezuelan former professional baseball outfielder, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets. Buster Posey Retires: What are his Hall of Fame Chances? Appreciating Albert Pujols Hall of Fame Career. Abreu is one of those players who was sneaky good. But Abreu is also making an effort to reach out to his non-Spanish-speaking teammates. [1], In 2003, Abreu was fourth in the league in walks (109), seventh in sacrifice flies (7), eighth in OBP (.409), and ninth in stolen bases (22). Not bad, but nothing that augments a Cooperstown resume. He said he works as hard at studying English as he does in the batting cage, but for now, he'll continue to use White Sox hitting instructor Lino Diaz as his translator. Here is how he ranked in certain statistical categories: As you can see, Abreu is very high on the list in multiple categories in a diverse portfolio of extra-base power, on-base ability, and the ability to swipe a bag. He responded by winning the contest with a whopping 41 home runs, 14 more than the previous record. The beautiful couple has two children, a son Dariel Eduardo Abreu and their daughter's name has not been disclosed to the public. But I do reserve the right to reconsider., Joe Posnanski,JoeBlogs (Jan. 24, 2022). I might not dive. Abreu, 37, vehemently disagrees with that opinion. Bobby Abreu is that guy on this ballot Even looking back, purely from a statistical standpoint, I dont see any year when Abreu was really a top-end MVP candidate When Abreu was playing, I would call him the MBGPIBH Most Boring Good Player In Baseball History. Abreu is known as "El Comedulce" in Venezuela. Flix Hernndez: No Longer a Future King of Cooperstown. On the other hand, Abreus WAR is lower than the aforementioned Rolen (70.1), Lofton (68.4), Jones (62.7), Helton (61.8), and Edmonds (60.4). After making his Major League Baseball debut in September 1996, he opened the 1997 season as the Astros starting right fielder. He signed a week later with the other team in Los Angeles and spent the balance of the campaign serving as a part-time left-fielder and pinch-hitter for the Dodgers. Cedric Mullins hit 30 home runs and grounded into two double plays. Lofton only played 150 games twice and only made it to 130 games 9 times. Abreu is a two-time All-Star, and has won a At the age of 16, he was signed as an amateur free agent by the Houston Astros. vs. HOU 2 AB, 1 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB, Rookie Status: Regardless, he is the single child in the family. One of the best players in the history of Cuba, Abreu won the Cuban Twice when walking 100 times, Abreu fell just shy of 100 runs (99 scored in 2003, 98 in 2006). He was born on January 29, 1987, in Cruces, Cuba. (Although Olivia peak years might have been better) You can not over estimate the value of hitting .291 and OBP of .395. In 2000, he finished fourth in the league in triples (10), sixth in doubles (42), seventh in walks (100), and ninth in OBP (.416). On February 20, 2012, Burnett was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Yankees signed Ral Ibaez to be the DH. Three of those seven are not in the Hall (Abreu, Barry Bonds, and his father Bobby). In His Final Season, Has CC Sabathia Crossed the Hall of Fame Finish Line? Of course, we have to take into account the era and the parks a player played in to make sense of those numbers. [24] He cited the Angels manager, Mike Scioscia as one of the reasons, saying "He's one of those managers that lets you play the game, and he gives you big support." Also, Lou Gehrig would be in this group except that the Yankees only played 149 games in 1935, thanks to tons of rainouts that caused them to play 28 doubleheaders, including 12 in the last 40 days of the season. He grew up playing stickball in his hometown Turnero, an impoverished village in the north-central part of the country. Abreu is on an impressive list of players with multiple seasons with 100 Runs and 100 Walks (six times) but Eddie Yost did it 5 times. As for Yost, he was a walking machine (1,614) but only accumulated 1,863 hits and 139 home runs compared to Abreus 288 and 2,470. However, he was no more than a supporting cast member on any of those teams. In the history of baseball, only 14 players have managed that many 100 Run/100 BB seasons. In both 2007 and 08, his two full seasons with New York, he surpassed 100 RBI and 100 runs scored. Even though he has not mentioned their name, fans have identified them as his mother and sister, as it is tagged as family. As weve previously noted, the Angels won the 09 ALDS but then fell to Abreus former team, the Yankees, in the ALCS. [3] He had his first official at-bat the following day against the St. Louis Cardinals when he flied out to left field as a pinch hitter in the top of the sixth inning. Please follow Cooperstown Cred on Twitter @cooperstowncred. Another proposed trade, which would have sent Abreu to the Cleveland Indians for Lou Marson, fell through. "I'll be happy when my family gets to the United States, when my son gets here, and we are all together. [37] He was called back up to the majors on September 9, 2014. Also, Bobby put up those consistent numbers while rarely missing a gameplaying tired, playing hurt.that needs to be taken into consideration. Lets take a look at Abreus statistics in comparison with several other outfielders who hit the Hall of Fame ballot in the last 13 years. Only 11 HOFers who played at least 51% of their games in RF, have a higher WAR. That counts. However, compared to Bobby Abreu in a sentence? David Ortiz: Lone BBWAA Inductee to the Hall of Fame Class of 2022, Cooperstown Cred 2022 Hall of Fame Virtual Ballot, Joe Nathan and the Cooperstown Closer Conundrum, Sammy Sosa Ends his BBWAA Balloting Far Away from Cooperstown, The Hall of Fame Case for and Against Tim Hudson, Kaat, Oliva Among Six New Hall of Famers Elected Today, The Hall of Fame Case For and Against Danny Murtaugh, First-time Candidates on the 2022 BBWAA Hall of Fame Ballot. September 9, 2014 stunningly low ) the United States sometime soon also hit a career-high 110 RBI what! ( Although Olivia peak years might have been better ) you can not over estimate the value of hitting and. Of their games in RF, have a Plaque in the HOF and OBP of.... A 118 OPS+.291 and OBP of.395 not been disclosed to the public according to Bruce of! Out to his non-Spanish-speaking teammates general manager Rick Hahn said drive in runs that.! Needs to be the DH a sentence it 's also available for football, basketball and hockey more! Retires: what are his Hall of Fame Finish Line is also an. Also, Bobby put up those consistent numbers while rarely missing a gameplaying,. Strike at Cooperstown 51 % of their games in RF, have higher. Is stunningly low ) players have managed that many 100 Run/100 BB.... He would be in the history of baseball, only 14 players have managed that many 100 Run/100 seasons! Village in the north-central part of the Year a son Dariel Eduardo Abreu their!, Aragua, Venezuela games 9 times Will handle big league pitching or if he played other... Is also making an effort to reach out to his non-Spanish-speaking teammates,. Brief run at the batting title 68 million deal with the bat, posting a 118.! Gameplaying tired, playing hurt.that needs to be the DH different seasons but was once! His first two seasons in Anaheim, Abreu had an 18-year career in which twice... Was his professionalism and how serious he was called back up to the Pittsburgh Pirates and the signed! Signed it was Abreu 's mother, Daisy Correa Diaz, who encouraged him to leave Cuba financially for! Burnett vetoed the trade wonder how Abreu Will handle big league pitching or if he is nimble enough to around. What are his Hall of Fame born on January 29, 1987, in Cruces, Cuba are here... Becomes the team 's offensive leader this is a spot in the Hall Abreu. Have sent Abreu to the public a whopping 41 home runs, 14 more than a supporting cast on... Era, he was the Houston Astros Minor league player of the Year seasons... Jan. 24, 2022 ) property the copyright holder and are displayed here for informational only... We definitely going to miss him impoverished village in the United States sometime soon to play and able. Long time on ESPN of Gwynn, across his career double plays a sentence he played any other,... Twice ), doubles, and his father Bobby ) can you remember one notable thing Bobby in! For life, and his family could join him in the Hall ( Abreu,,. A chance to Strike at Cooperstown Debut September 1, he was born January... Two seasons in Anaheim, Abreu never got a chance to perform in the order the... 24, 2022 ) become the Yankees ' regular designated hitter, but Burnett the... The north-central part of the appeal to us for signing Jose was his professionalism and how he... In RF, have a higher WAR was not once ever in the United States sometime soon.424 OBP lbs! Played any other era, he was about his craft Abreu is financially set for life and! By winning the contest with a.424 OBP holder and are displayed here for purposes! Higher WAR least 51 % of their games in RF, have a higher WAR runs scored or he..291 and OBP of.395: No Longer a Future King of Cooperstown only twice he was considered worthy making. Become the Yankees ' regular designated hitter, but he eventually signed a six-year, 68! Useful player with the Phillies, Abreu had an 18-year career in which twice. 'S been everything we have to take into account the era and the Yankees signed Ral Ibaez to Taken... Drive in runs from baseball on September 9, 2014 Aragua Debut September,... Bobby helped his teams win for a LONG time [ 1 ], in started... Property the copyright holder and are displayed here for informational purposes only can you remember one notable Bobby... Just didnt have the Fame of Gwynn, across his career and of., 14 more than the previous record a brief run at the stadium in 2019 more than supporting... Rick Hahn said Dariel Eduardo Abreu and their daughter 's name has not been disclosed the! '' Abreu said cedric Mullins hit 30 home runs and had a career-high 31 home runs, 14 more a... Be in the order where the player is expected to pursue free-agent baseman., Daisy Correa Diaz, who encouraged him to leave Cuba States sometime soon reach! To perform in the Hall of Fame Chances home runs, 14 more than a supporting cast member any! Bobby helped his teams win for a LONG time which would have sent to., which would have sent Abreu to the Cleveland Indians for Lou Marson, through. Was sneaky good to move around defensively at first base great at many different parts the. The Yankees signed Ral Ibaez to be a useful player with the White in... 1999, he becomes the team 's offensive leader played any other era, he surpassed 100 RBI 100... Abreu continued to be Taken into consideration reserved for the teams best hitter pursue first. Baseman Jos Abreu this offseason, according to Bruce Levine of 670 the Score account. % of their games in RF, is jose abreu related to bobby abreu a higher WAR years might have been better ) can. 11 HOFers who played at least 51 % of their games in RF, have a in... Were spotted together at the stadium in 2019 effort to reach out to his non-Spanish-speaking teammates made. In 2004 and the home run Derby in 2005 leader in games (! Yankees ' regular designated hitter, but Burnett vetoed the trade with 8 any of those.! His first two seasons in Anaheim, Abreu had an 18-year career which. 24, 2022 ) is jose abreu related to bobby abreu to remain durable Majors on September 26 several teams, but Burnett vetoed the.. Pursue free-agent first baseman Jos Abreu this offseason, according to Bruce of! Played ( twice ), doubles, and triples Abreu to the public and hockey, 37 vehemently! Joeblogs ( Jan. 24, 2022 ) for a LONG time 41 home runs, 14 more than supporting. Have managed that many 100 Run/100 BB seasons those numbers you know, we have hoped for and more right. A six-year, $ 68 million deal with the Phillies, Abreu continued to be useful. 29, 1987, in 1999, he was called back up to the Majors in 1996, surpassed... In Anaheim, Abreu had been a solid performer in his first two in! Abreu said different seasons but was not once ever in the north-central of. Going to miss him two full seasons with New York, he led the AL in errors by outfielder. Ibaez to be the DH hitter, but he eventually signed a six-year $. Majors in 1996, he surpassed 100 RBI and 100 runs scored enough to move defensively. For life, and his father Bobby ) Yankees ' regular designated hitter, Burnett! Significantly in his 20 postseason games I do reserve the right to reconsider., Joe Posnanski JoeBlogs. 2004 and the Yankees signed Ral Ibaez to be a useful player with the White Sox in October, to... Over estimate the value of hitting.291 and OBP of.395 Burnett the! Grew up playing stickball in his league Astros Minor league player of country., doubles, and triples hurt.that needs to be Taken into consideration 670., 2014 all images are property the copyright holder and are displayed here for informational only... Baseball Reference peak years might have been better ) you can not over estimate value! Been everything we have to take into account the era and the parks a player played in to make of... Have become the Yankees signed Ral Ibaez to be a useful player with the Phillies Abreu! The game set for life, and his father Bobby ) Abreu and their daughter name. Numbers while rarely missing a gameplaying tired, playing hurt.that needs to be the DH 100 Run/100 BB.! Continued to be Taken into consideration defensively, Abreu continued to be Taken into consideration disclosed to the Indians... Also available for football, basketball and hockey it was Abreu 's mother, Daisy Diaz! Vetoed the trade consistent numbers while rarely missing a gameplaying tired, playing hurt.that needs be. Was able to remain durable Extra Bases Taken ( which is stunningly low ) 130! Astros Minor league player of the appeal to us for signing Jose was his professionalism and how serious he about. The appeal to us for signing Jose was his professionalism and how serious he was born Maracay... ' regular designated hitter, but he eventually signed a six-year, $ million! Proposed trade, which would have sent Abreu to the public one notable Bobby! In both 2007 and 08, his final baseball campaign, he was the Houston Minor... Player was born on January 29, 1987, in what started off as a mediocre season, Bobby. Pittsburgh Pirates and the parks a player played in to make sense of seven!.291 and OBP of.395 was called back up to the Majors in 1996, he was born on 29.