MLB Trade Rumors: Bobby Abreu Offers Angels Ultimatum

It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Angels have a bevy of 1B/DH/corner outfielder-type players.  Throughout much of the offseason, after the Angels announced their signing of Albert Pujols, rumors began to fly regarding who LA would trade to make room for their prime-time acquisition.  But no deals have been made, and the Angels appear set to enter 2012 with their logjam of players.  None of the players involved had spoken out negatively before yesterday, when veteran Bobby Abreu voiced his displeasure at the possibility of splitting time next season.

Speaking with Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com, Abreu said that he’s been told he could potentially split time at designate hitter with younger players Mark Trumbo or Kendrys Morales.  While the platoon situation depends on the health of Trumbo and Morales, Abreu was not happy to hear that he might not be an everyday player in 2012.

Abreu told Rojas that he still views himself as an everyday player for a major league team.  He said he will not be on the bench knowing that he can still play.  If that wasn’t clear enough, Abreu added that if the Angels do not find an everyday position for him, the best thing for them to do is trade him.

Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto later came out and responded to Abreu’s comments, telling Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com that he was unaware of any ultimatum.  Dipoto said that he and manager Mike Scioscia have spoken with Abreu and gone over his potential role.  Dipoto finished by saying that it wouldn’t be fair for Abreu to issue such a demand publically.

Abreu has been more than impressive over his career, particularly at getting on base.  But last season Abreu started to show his age, especially in the power department.  Though he was able to maintain an OBP of .353, Abreu’s slugging percentage dropped below .400 for the first time since 1997.

At this point in his career, and with the lack of DH jobs available, Abreu is going to have to come to terms with the fact that if he wants to continue playing in the majors, he’ll likely have to take a reduced role.

Maybe he’ll get a call from Vladimir Guerrero or Johnny Damon telling him to shut up; at least he has a team.

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