Hola Nueva York!

Bobby Abreu is back in the major leagues and back in New York. I saw him March trying to make the Phillies roster in Spring Training. While there was still some pop in his bat, he looked lost playing right field. And at age 40, I thought it was the end of the line when the Phils cut him near the end of the Grapefruit League.
But this onetime Yankee now sees the meaning in Bronx sage Yogi Berra's line that "It Ain't Over Til Its Over." The Mets signed him to a Triple-A contract in early April. After three weeks where he hit over .390 for Las Vegas, he was called up to the Mets today.
No word yet whether he'll play outfield, 1st base or serve as the primary lefty pinch hitter. I'm just surprised he got the call. Notorious for avoiding outfield walls and seemingly lackadaisical play, there's an odd thing that happens to every team Abreu played for -- they get better after he leaves. The 2006 Phillies (with Abreu) missed the playoffs. In 2007, without him, they won the NL East. The 2008 Yankees (with Abreu) missed the playoffs. In 2009, after he was replaced by Nick Swisher, they won the World Series. In 2012, the Dodgers finished second (and out of the post-season). In 2013 (with Abreu out of baseball), they won the NL West. Does this mean the 2015 or '16 Mets are destined for greatness? Stay tuned.

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