For most of this season, the second base position for Delmarva has been held down quite well by Miguel Abreu. Miguel’s been a steady presence around the middle third of the batting order, providing some protection for the guys above him because he’s also shown some pop with the bat. So far this season Abreu has connected for six blasts, which ties him with Brandon Snyder for third best on the team. (Chris Vinyard and Brandon Tripp each have nine.)
The 22 year old Puerto Rican was picked by the Orioles in the 2005 draft, well down the line in the 28th round. But he’s garnered at least one honor on his minor league journey as he was an All-Star last season in the NY-Penn League, representing Aberdeen. And his power numbers this year are even better than his Aberdeen stats. Last year he hit .269 in 69 games with 3 home runs and 26 RBI for the IronBirds; and, while the average is a bit lower at Delmarva this season (.256) he’s beaten both his home run and RBI totals from ’06 already (6 HR, 36 RBI) in fewer at-bats – with close to half a season to go. If he can stay healthy, he should get to double-digits in home runs and about 60-70 RBI – solid totals.
And Gary Kendall can just keep writing “Abreu, 2b” on his lineup card.
