Earlier in the day it was reported that the Phillies were "sniffing around" on Bobby Abreu as a left-handed bat off the bench. Well Ruben Amaro Jr. must have liked what El Comedulce was cooking down in Venezuela because CBS Sports' Jon Heyman just reported that the two sides have agreed to a minor league deal bringing the right fielder back into the organization. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick later confirmed the signing.
As Jim Salisbury said in his initial report about the Phils' interest, Abreu has been working hard in the Venezuelan league in an attempt to get back to the Bigs. It looks like he'll get his shot with the team he made his bones with for nine years.
Abreu spent nine of his 17 big-league seasons with the Phillies before sitting out last season. He hit .322 with three homers, 28 RBIs and a .877 OPS in 50 games in the Venezuelan league this winter and is looking to make a comeback in the majors.
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As someone tweeted a few moments ago, I don't even know what to say about the Phillies any longer.
Abreu just wants to make comeback. Not doing it for the $ (tho he gets $800,000 as phillie). 8 Hrs, 26 RBI in 16 plaoff Gs
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) January 21, 2014
Bobby abreu is headed back the phillies after agreeing to deal
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) January 21, 2014
#Phillies have, indeed, reached agreement on a minor league deal with Bobby Abreu, source confirms.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) January 21, 2014
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