Amid trade rumors, Abreu lifts Phillies

07/19/2006
SAN DIEGO -- While the front of Bobby Abreu's uniform still displays the word "Phillies," as opposed to an interlocking NY or one of up to nine other possibilities, this month's most sought after player will keep swinging.
His latest smooth, compact stroke lifted the Phillies to a come-from-behind 5-4 win over the Padres on Wednesday, delivering the Phils from the brink of a three-game sweep at PETCO Park to a .500 West Coast road trip. Adding to the short-term inspiration was that the win came off veteran closer Trevor Hoffman, who had blown only two other games this season.
"He's a tremendous player, and I can see why 10 teams would want him," said manager Charlie Manuel, referring to the rumors surrounding Abreu's trade status. "He's been one of the most consistent players in baseball. Probably all 30 would like to have him."
Or at least those of the 29 other teams who are A) in contention, B) need a right fielder and C) can afford his contract -- though that discussion is for Phillies general manager Pat Gillick to sort out over the next two weeks.
For the moment, the Phillies found a way to win a game that looked grim after Brian Giles' two-out liner in the seventh glanced off the chalk along the left-field line and bounced into foul territory. As pinch-hitter Rob Bowen, who singled to start the inning, raced around to score, the words sweep could be seen forming in the chalk that remained.
Starter Jon Lieber had settled in after allowing a three-run homer to Josh Bard in the first, but fell victim to the double on his season-high 123rd pitch of the 79-degree afternoon.
When Jimmy Rollins' soft liner landed in Khalil Greene's glove, ending an eighth-inning, bases-loaded threat against Pads reliever Scott Linebrink, the formality of Hoffman's save seemed all that remained.
But Hoffman, who had blown a save on Friday night against Atlanta, hit Shane Victorino with the first pitch, and walked Chase Utley on five pitches. The only reason Utley had one strike was because he showed bunt on the first offering.
Abreu fell behind 0-2 before slicing an 84-mph fastball to right-center, scoring both runners -- making him the hero of the game and affording the team a flight home that will seem much shorter.
"A lot shorter," reliever Rheal Cormier said.
"It's good to leave San Diego with a win in the last game," Abreu said. "We're 3-3 on the trip, and battled each game. Our team looks pretty good right now, offensively and defensively. Our pitchers are starting to respond. It's good to go back home, have a day off and rest up for Atlanta."
Abreu's good fortune provided good feelings on what might have been a frustrating afternoon. Lieber left the game trailing, and put his team in a hole after surrendering the three-run homer to Bard. Philadelphia clawed back, thanks to Chris Coste's first career homer in the fourth and his game-tying RBI double in the sixth.
The 33-year-old rookie catcher is hitting .333 (17-for-51), and forcing his way into the lineup.
"If he keeps hitting, he might play forever," Manuel said.
Phils closer Tom Gordon maintained that advantage and recorded his 22nd save with a 1-2-3 ninth, salvaging the game and the series.
"You don't salvage games, you just win them," Rollins said. "It was a good to get a game in and finish a road trip .500. It's just wins and losses. You salvage cars, but not baseball games."
Semantics aside, Gordon said a win in Game 93 was a big lift for a team unsure about which players will be here on Aug. 1.
"We know how important every game is," Gordon said. "You don't want to be one the road for six games and put yourself in the hole. Today was big for us."
Speaking to the larger picture, Gordon stressed Abreu's importance.
"For us, we know we need Bobby in this clubhouse to be a winning ballclub," Gordon said. "But those things are out of our control. We have to continue to play up until that deadline. Trade rumors are trade rumors. They're only rumors until something happens."
Abreu didn't add any grist to the rumor mill, either, smiling and shrugging off all inquiries regarding him or any of the team's veterans.
"I don't want to think about it," said Abreu, who batted .240 on the road trip and made several fine defensive plays. "If you listen, it's going to get into your head. I really don't pay attention."
The broad smile that makes Abreu one of the happiest guys on the team never left his face. He knows he's wanted, and realizes he might wind up somewhere else. He seems willing to listen and agreeable to waiving his no-trade clause, but for now, he will keep his focus on the field.
"You know what? I'm just playing hard, trying to get better every day," Abreu said. "I'm doing everything I can do to help the team win. My offense and my defense. That's me every day. I think people are starting to see that more often because people are talking about me. That's how I play the game.
"I don't known if it's going to happen. Whatever happens, I'm just going to keep playing the game and try to help the team win."
Just like he did on Wednesday.

Source: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/