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Can we say this guy is the real deal yet? Obviously he has the power potential to be a home run champ, but can he withstand the adjustments pitchers are going to make and keep his average high enough? Either way, what an amazing start. Ironically, he and Puig, the only players in major league history, to be both rookie and player's of the month in their first month in the majors.

I'm not a fan of the WBC but there are plenty of talented major leaguers who can play for Cuba and several will be AllStars this year.

BK METS wrote:Can we say this guy is the real deal yet? Obviously he has the power potential to be a home run champ, but can he withstand the adjustments pitchers are going to make and keep his average high enough? Either way, what an amazing start. Ironically, he and Puig, the only players in major league history, to be both rookie and player's of the month in their first month in the majors.

Austin Kearns?

knuckleheads wrote:

BK METS wrote:Can we say this guy is the real deal yet? Obviously he has the power potential to be a home run champ, but can he withstand the adjustments pitchers are going to make and keep his average high enough? Either way, what an amazing start. Ironically, he and Puig, the only players in major league history, to be both rookie and player's of the month in their first month in the majors.

Austin Kearns?

What about Austin Kearns? Are you comparing him to Abreu? He was a good rookie, had 13 HRs in 2002, 5 in May 2002. Won rookie of the month. Other than that, I don't know what your question is.

BK METS wrote:

knuckleheads wrote:

BK METS wrote:Can we say this guy is the real deal yet? Obviously he has the power potential to be a home run champ, but can he withstand the adjustments pitchers are going to make and keep his average high enough? Either way, what an amazing start. Ironically, he and Puig, the only players in major league history, to be both rookie and player's of the month in their first month in the majors.

Austin Kearns?

What about Austin Kearns? Are you comparing him to Abreu? He was a good rookie, had 13 HRs in 2002, 5 in May 2002. Won rookie of the month. Other than that, I don't know what your question is.

Let me revise. Austin Kearns. The question mark lead to confusion. Austin Kearns had 12 homers as a rookie, 7 in April/May. He also had 15 homers the next year with 13 by May 14.

People said things about him like, "obviously he has the power potential to be a home run champ." For five years after that second season fantasy players would draft Kearns as if he were on par with Albert Pujols. Kearns hit 91 HR after his first two years and killed many a fantasy team.

Two years ago, people were saying the same thing about Yoenis Cespedes.

Extrapolating one hot month over a season or career is a fool's errand. No question.

There will be a "book" on Abreu his second time around the league. If pitchers adjust and he doesn't he will fade. If he can adopt to those changes he will be the "real deal". Time will tell. If I owned him in a trading league I might be willing to hear offers and would consider selling high.

I admit, I was not a believer before the season...now I am not so sure...looks like a Gashouse Gorilla for sure...



Do I wish he were on my team?

Yup.