Abreu to Change his (Pin)Stripes?

The rumor mill is a' turning. It is being reported by the New York Daily News that the White Sox are offering a 1 year $8 million deal to Bobby Abreu. As of posting he has not signed the deal. Also, Chicago ESPN Radio 1000's Bruce Levine says that signing is not imminent. This all could be a ploy by Abreu’s agent to try to increase market value, but let’s just assume he does sign the deal, what does this mean for the White Sox?

The first change would be the Sox would have to move Jermaine Dye. Apparently there have been talks about a Dye for Figgins trade, but the Angels did not want to go through with it and that’s how far the talks have gone. I think the Angels are holding out hope they can sign Manny, and if he goes to the Dodgers then Dye becomes a much more attractive player.

Now you might be saying, isn’t signing Abreu basically like changing him for Dye, why would the Sox go through with it.

First, Dye signed a 2 year 22 million dollar extension going into the 2008 season with an option for 2010. So if the Sox do sign Abreu for $8 million, he is obviously cheaper.

Second do a quick comparison of stats. Abreu is 34, Dye is 35, both don’t miss many games, Abreu gets more hits, runs, RBI’s (as the linked article points out he has driven 100 runs each of the last 6 seasons, only A-Rod and Pujols have done that as well) and stolen bases. Abreu’s HR numbers have gone down since he won the derby a few years back, but if you know this White Sox team you know HR are not what they need to add. Abreu fits into “Ozzie Ball” more than Dye.

Finally, even if you want to say that Abreu over Dye is a push, you have to consider Abreu + whatever you can get for Dye over just Dye. Even though Dye can’t bring in Figgins now, if the Angels can’t sign Manny or a big bat they might be interested (Why the Angels don’t offer Abreu a deal is beyond me but I digress). There has also been talk of trading Dye for pitching - at the moment the 4 and 5 starters need to be determined

In my ideal world, the Sox sign Abreu and trade Dye for Figgins (If you know me I’ve wanted him for about 3 years now) and we instantly have our 1 and 2 hitters in the lineup. Let’s hope for the best.