(Bobby Abreu hitting one of his several dozen tape-measure shots during last July’s Home Run Derby. Presumably, he will once again hit another HR or two in a real game).
From the Sporting News’ Ken Rosenthal :
Most in the industry expect new Phillies GM Pat Gillick to do something big; right fielder Bobby Abreu would be a perfect trade addition for any team that fails to sign free agent Brian Giles. The Cubs could use the left-handed Abreu to hit between righties Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez. The Mariners also want to add left-handed power. The Astros ” Abreu’s original team ” would be another possible partner if they could somehow find a way to absorb the $30 million he is owed over the next two seasons. The Dodgers also would make sense. …
In a perfect world, the Phillies would prefer to trade pricey veteran Jim Thome rather than Rookie of the Year Ryan Howard. However, one executive suggests that Howard’s value might never be higher, while the Phillies surely are concerned that Howard remains unproven against left-handed pitching. Howard batted .148 against left-handers last season, with one homer in 61 at-bats. Of course, trading Howard wouldn’t help the Phillies financially. …
The Cardinals could lose both free-agent second baseman Mark Grudzielanek and infielder Abraham Nunez. Nunez wants to play regularly at second or short, even if it means joining a lesser club; his agent, former major-league pitcher Dave Stewart, says Nunez already has four three-year offers. The Red Sox, Rangers, Royals and Mets are among the teams pursuing Grudzielanek, whose preference is to remain with the Cardinals.