White Sox Morning BP: Jose Abreu continues to impress

Jun 18, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) hits a two run home run against San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Tim Hudson (not pictured) during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

When the Chicago White Sox signed Jose Abreu to a free agent contract this past offseason we all knew the “Good Guys” were getting a potentially very good MLB player. But just past the midway point of this ’14 regular season I believe all of us realize the White Sox have someone special in Abreu.

El´Hombre, as Ken Harrelson has tabbed Abreu, leads the Majors with 27 home runs and that is with missing time this season on the disable list with an ankle issue. He’s doing this as a rookie, which the rookie record for home runs in a season is 49 by Mark McGwire.

Abreu, who has won the AL Rookie of the Month award in April and June (he was injured in May), also has an current hitting streak of 18-games.

With the DL out of the way, Abreu has came back strong, and that is evident just from his season stats. In 73 games played this season Abreu is batting .280 with an on-base percentage of .330 and a .629 slugging percentage, which is also another MLB best stat.

Also at the plate the White Sox first baseman and cleanup hitter leads the Majors with 69 RBIs, while compiling 80 hits, including 17 doubles, one triple and the 27 home runs.

Abreu has walked 19 times and has been intentionally walked six times.

In a season where the White Sox are 41-46, five games under the .500 mark, Abreu been the shining hope of the future of this ball club, along with ace left-hander Chris Sale on the mound who is 8-1 on the season with a ERA of 2.16 and 96 strikeouts.

In their past 10 games, the White Sox are 6-4, and could have possibly been a game or two better than that, but it will take more than Abreu and Sale to turn this team around with consistent play.

The Whtie Sox still trail the Detroit Tigers by nine games in the AL Central standings, and trail the Seattle Mariners for the second Wild Card spot in the AL by 6.5 games.

Last night the Whtie Sox defeated the Mariners 7-1 behind a strong 12-strikeout performance from Sale and home runs off the bats of Abreu, Paul Konerko and Dayan Viciedo (who was 4-for-4).

Maybe Abreu can play just as well as the season continues, and maybe his teammates can follow his lead, because that’s what is going to have to happen if they want to compete for a postseason spot.

Chicago White Sox Morning BP: Jose Abreu continues to impress

By Stephen Forsha | Jul 5, 2014