Abreu says he is ready for a big year

www.duluthsuperior.com Posted on Wed, Mar. 19, 2003
ROB MAADDI Associated Press

CLEARWATER, Fla. AP) - Surrounded by a group of Latin teammates, Bobby Abreu sits at his locker, cracks jokes and shares a few laughs.

Popular among the Spanish-speaking players on the Philadelphia Phillies, Abreu isn't just another funny guy. The 28-year-old right fielder is perhaps the most complete player on the Phillies, and one of the most underrated stars in the majors.

"I think Bobby is going to have a monster year," Phillies manager Larry Bowa said. "If everything falls through, he can put up nasty numbers."

Abreu arrived one day late to spring training because of civil unrest in his native Venezuela. He also showed up with a few extra pounds and a bit more muscle - he has bigger biceps, but a larger gut.

The added strength has allowed him to hit some balls a little farther than usual.

"There's no doubt he's stronger," Bowa said. "He's hitting balls to left field like he's a right-handed pull hitter."

Abreu attributes his new upper body to working out in the offseason. Because of the problems in Venezuela, Abreu didn't play baseball in the winter for the first time since reaching the majors in 1996.

But he certainly hasn't shown any signs of being rusty. Abreu is hitting .289 (13-for (45)- with four homers, three doubles and 10 RBIs this spring. He didn't make the long trip to Fort Myers for Wednesday's game against Minnesota.

Told that Bowa has high expectations for him, Abreu flashed his familiar smile.

"Really?" he said. "That's nice."

Abreu never has played in an All-Star Game, but has a .308 career batting average that is 15th best among active players with 3,000 or more plate appearances. Last year, he hit .308 with 50 doubles, 20 homers, 85 RBIs, 104 walks and 31 steals.

"I'm getting more experience in the game," Abreu said. "When you get more mature, that's when you start putting up big numbers."

Abreu hit a career-best .335 in his second full season in 1998. He had career-highs with 31 homers and 36 steals in 2001, becoming the first player in franchise history to join the 30-30 club.

Bowa thinks Abreu has the potential to hit at least .330 with more than 30 homers in the same season.

"Bobby is capable of doing whatever Bobby wants to do," Bowa said. "He's got a great future ahead of him. He hasn't even reached his peak."

Abreu should be helped by the addition of Jim Thome and the continued improvement of Pat Burrell. The threesome gives the Phillies a potent 3-4-5 punch in the middle of the batting order.

Bowa has experimented with batting Thome third and Abreu fifth and vice-versa. Abreu has hit No. 3 most of his career, but said he's comfortable in either spot.

"Those two guys are going to do some damage," Abreu said. "I just want to do my job."

Abreu came to the Phillies from Tampa Bay in 1997. He played parts of two seasons with Houston, was selected in the expansion draft by the Devil Rays and was traded to Philadelphia for shortstop Kevin Stocker, who is out of baseball.

In five seasons with the Phillies, Abreu has hit .300 four times, and has averaged 30 steals over the last four years.

"Bobby does some amazing things," Bowa said.

Notes: Right-handed reliever Turk Wendell left the team for at least one day for personal reasons. Wendell, who missed all of last season after having elbow surgery, has temporarily been shut down because of a sore elbow. ... 2B Placido Polanco is expected to return to the lineup Thursday after missing five of the last six games with a groin injury.