Abner Abreu Stats & Scouting Report

AB	1564
AVG	.263
OBP	.307
SLG	.43
HR	39

Full name Abner Abreu
Born 10/24/1989 in San Pedro De Macoris, Dominican Republic
Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 187 / Bats: R / Throws: R

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Abreu's younger brother Esdras signed with the Rangers in 2008 for $550,000, but pales in comparison as a prospect to Abner, who signed for $75,000. He posted strong numbers for Lake County in 2009, but his season ended in June when he dislocated his shoulder diving for a ball in the outfield. Lean and athletic, Abreu has a high-waisted, slender build but already generates natural power with his bat speed and the natural loft in his swing. Despite his offensive tools, he remains raw at the plate. He has a long way to go in terms of patience, working the count and recognizing offspeed stuff. Getting himself into better hitter's counts and learning to lay off pitches up and out of the zone will allow Abreu to better translate his raw power into game situations. A third baseman in 2008, he moved to right field last season, where his skill set is better suited. His average speed plays up because he has good instincts in the field, giving him a chance to be a solid defender with an above-average arm. Abreu's injury set his timetable back, and he could return to low Class A in 2010.
The Indians signed Abreu in October 2006 for $75,000, a fraction of the $550,000 that his brother, outfielder Esdras Abreu, received from the Rangers last summer. Abner began his pro career shuttling around the infield in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League in 2007, then focused on third base in his U.S. debut last year. He led the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in homers (11), extra-base hits (31) and slugging (.538). A good athlete, Abreu uses his legs well in his swing and generates easy power to all fields with plus bat speed and strong hands. He's still growing into his frame and could develop even more pop as he matures physically. Abreu's strike-zone discipline and pitch recognition are rudimentary. He's prone to chasing breaking balls outside the zone and doesn't show much patience. Abreu's defense at third base is rough. His hands and actions aren't ideal for the hot corner, and 12 of his 18 errors in 49 games last year came on misplays rather than throws. He does have a strong arm and his future could be in right field. The Indians tried him in the outfield during instructional league. They won't give up on him as a third baseman in 2009, when he could push for a shot at low Class A.

Minor League Top Prospects

The Indians noticed Abreu and his power potential during a workout in the Domincan Republic in the summer of 2006. They signed him shortly afterward for $75,000, then sent him to the Dominican Summer League in 2007 and the GCL this year. He wasted no time getting acclimated to the United States, topping the GCL in doubles (16), homers (11), total bases (107) and slugging percentage (.538). A high-waisted athlete with long limbs and wiry strength, Abreu has plus bat speed and power to all fields. He'll have to improve his strike-zone discipline without losing his aggressiveness at the plate. He struck out 52 times and drew just nine walks. Abreu is a fringe-average runner. He currently plays third base but made 18 errors this season, mostly on throws. The Indians plan on keeping him at the hot corner, but with his athleticism and arm strength, he may fit better as a corner outfielder as he progresses.