Could Bobby Abreu Be A Fit In San Diego?

As I am writing this post, the Padres have sent Jeremy Hermida to the disabled list, and they have recalled Blake Tekotte from AAA Tucson. The Padres offense has struggled so far in 2012, and the team has had issues getting men on-base. Today, the Angels released veteran outfielder/DH Bobby Abreu. The Angels had a deal in place to trade Abreu at the beginning of the season, but the rumored trade to Cleveland ultimately fell apart. The Angels have a glutton of outfielders, and the move clears space for prized prospect Mike Trout.

Abreu is obviously not the player that he once was, but he still has an interesting set of skills that could be an asset to San Diego. Abreu has always had a knack for getting on-base. For his career, he posts an impressive .397 OBP. He even stole 21 bases last year with the Halos, so he is still an above-average baserunner, this late in his career.

Abreu has not gotten off to a good start this year, posting a triple-slash line of .208/.259/.333, albeit in 24 at-bats. Scouts say that he cannot really play the outfield much anymore, but Jesus Guzman is no Gold Glover out in left either. Abreu could provide a decent bat to play against righties occasionally, until Carlos Quentin returns from the disabled list.

The one thing that Abreu does have in his favor is cost. Once Abreu passes through waivers, he will only cost the Padres a prorated amount of the league minimum, so there would not be any financial risk. The Padres could use him for a few weeks to see if he can be a valuable contributor, especially in the top third of the Padres lineup.

Ultimately, it does not seem likely that the Padres will target Abreu. The team already has 6 outfielders on the roster, and will have Quentin back soon, likely in the next two weeks. However, the Padres should keep their options open, as players who can work the count seem to be missing from the Padres lineup.