Even More On Bobby Abreu

by Tommy Rancel on Jan 5, 2009 10:30 AM EST

I've been thinking more and more about Bobby Abreu this weekend. He's a great hitter and his career slash line of .300/.405/.498, really makes you wonder why he hasn't been a superstar for the past decade. One thing that concerns me a little about Abreu is his home/road splits, especially since he joined the Yankees.

Career OPS split

Home .941

Away .864

He's clearly better at home, but his road numbers overall are very good. However, over the past two full seasons with the Yankees, he's been a great hitter at home and an average hitter away from the more cozy Yankee Stadium.

2007	AB	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	HR
Home	298	0.326	0.408	0.497	0.905	10
Away	307	0.241	0.330	0.394	0.724	6

2008	AB	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	HR
Home	312	0.311	0.373	0.522	0.895	14
Away	297	0.279	0.370	0.418	0.788	6

Average	AB	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	Total HR
Home	610	0.319	0.391	0.510	0.901	24
Away	604	0.260	0.350	0.406	0.756	12

In 2008, the numbers seem to come closer together, but it's clear that Abreu's power number are enjoying Yankee Stadium. A legit concern?

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I think it is a legit concern

In 2008 Burrell played significantly better on the road then in the Phils hitter friendly park:

Home: .230/ .348/ .439/ .787
Away: .270/ .387/ .577/ .964

However if you average the past three years the stats are nearly identical for Burrell:

Home: .260/ .389/ .500/ .889
Away: .249/ .380/ .508/ .888

Meanwhile Abreu avergaing the past 3 seasons:

Home: .306/ .397/ .489/ .886
Away: .278/ .379/ .429/ .808

Clearly has been playing better at Yankee stadium. Now, it’s possible Abreu just plays better at “home” no matter where that home is.

by RayOfLight on Jan 5, 2009 11:41 AM EST reply actions

"Now, it’s possible Abreu just plays better at "home" no matter where that home is."

Most players do, so that’s expected.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 5, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions

The part I don't like is his walk rates are down(as are the K's) and maybe

the demensions at Yankee Stadium have hid some of the decline, if any, in his bat. It’s something that will be worth watching even if he doesn’t sign with the Rays.

by Tommy Rancel on Jan 5, 2009 11:58 AM EST up reply actions

Giambi's walk rates were down a bit too.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 5, 2009 12:03 PM EST up reply actions

About Burrell

Since Citizen’s Bank Park opened in 04, his home OPS is .914 and his road OPS is .840. Again, it’s a good sign to see that his OPS on the road this year was .964.

As for Giambi his walk rates were down, but over the past five years his home/road OPS split aren’t far off….882 at home, .850 on road. Plus he’s hit over 50% of his HR’s on the road during the last 5 years.

by Tommy Rancel on Jan 5, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions

Basically, we are currently in a good position

Giambi will probably go to the A’s and we will either get lefty mashing Burrell or Abreu.

Yes, I know, genius insight by me.

Evan Longoria and David Price - the fight for my heart

by joeybw on Jan 5, 2009 12:56 PM EST reply actions

"More cozy"

Is Yankees Stadium really that cozy? A lot of guys just hit better at home generally. I could understand the concern if this was Philly or Cincinatti or even Boston, but I don’t typically think of Yankees Stadium greatly inflating a player’s statistics.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Jan 5, 2009 1:11 PM EST reply actions

SC only seems to have homeruns inflated

http://statcorner.com/team.php?team=NYA&year=2008&leag=A_L

Everything else is deflated.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 5, 2009 1:15 PM EST up reply actions

IIRC

Historically, Yankees Stadium only inflates HR rates for righties.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Jan 5, 2009 1:32 PM EST up reply actions

The short porch is nice, but the power-alley isn't short, just extreme right field.

Overall, Yankee Stadium is pretty neutral for run scoring.

And, as RJ pointed out, ALL players tend to hit better at home. It’s the home-field advantage. Basketball players score more at home. Receivers have more catches at home. Yada yada.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Jan 5, 2009 1:36 PM EST up reply actions