“While it is impossible to deny that Bob Abreu has put up some impressive statistics, any true baseball fan can tell that these statistics do in fact lie. Abreu loves to pride him self on having a long streak of consecutive 20-20 seasons, if you watched him play with the Phillies it was obvious that he at times, was out there to get his statistics and just that.

During the last three years he was in Philadelphia he must have done this or something very similar at least twenty five times. He was able to bloat his numbers to All-Star caliber, on paper he appeared to be one of the best five tool guys in recent memory. In reality, Abreu is more of a three maybe four tool guy.

Alas the one thing that could not be stomached: his defense. The fact that he was awarded a Gold Glove in 2005 is a complete sham. A total disgrace. Never has this award been abused to this degree. Bobby played the field with the tenacity of Mother Teresa. A few outfield assists does not qualify you for the most prestigious defensive awards in baseball.

One of the best things about Abreu was watching him go back on a deep fly ball, only to see him shy away once the wall came into view. Since he was traded the Phillies have been playing a new brand of baseball. They are playing the game the way it should be played.

Trading Bobby Abreu ushered in a new era of Phillies baseball. With former veterans Jim Thome, Placido Polanco, Kevin Millwood, and Bobby Abreu gone players like Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, and Cole Hamels could step up and become the leaders of the team.

With these young guys leading the team a whole new attitude was adopted. A never say die attitude, this team was filled with scrappy talented players who were ready to fight for a win everyday. With this young core of blue collar guys the Phillies made the 2007 playoffs and look like they will make it again in 2008”.

Very interesting…a parallel analogy? A caveat? Deja Vu “all over again”? A voice in the wilderness? I think not…I could post quite bit more. In Baseball Prospectus 2008 at page 337, Bobby’s “defensive prowess” is summarized with the statement “As a defender, he goes back on the ball with all the enthusiasm of a roman convict being herded toward the Lion’s den.”

There actually is much more along the same path. A plethora of Sabermetrics numbers as to his defense is absolutely chilling (previously posted by another a few days back) and should frighten off any GM who would consider him for other than a DH, which, by the way, is precisely where Baseball Prospectus suggests he be following this season, but as a “Platoon DH”.

Let’s move on with a re-vitalized attitude and fresh approach in 09!!

We should not be so quick to resign Pettitte. Once we see who we can sign from the FA starting pitching pool, then see if there is a need for Pettitte, as he clearly was ineffective pitching 200 innings this year.

Over/Under on how many batters Ollie hits today?

It’s just as important for the Yankees to have good pitchers following CC in the rotation AND a good bullpen to back him up, which I do think the Yankees will have.

Same with Burnett. If the Yankees get Burnett either in addition to or instead of CC, with a good bullpen they can keep a close watch on his innings and not over-extend him. There’s no way to absolutely prevent injuries, but you can take precautions. A solid bullpen and a few guys (3 at least) who can go min 6-7 innings every start will help.

If Pettitte comes back, will he be a 6-7 inning guy, or a 5-6 inning guy?