According to a major league source, the Red Sox have worked out veteran Bobby Abreu in Venezuela. As part of the workout, the team put the 38-year-old through drills at first base. It is believed the workout is part of both parties doing their due diligence, with it unclear if Abreu would even be open to playing first base, a position he hasn't manned during a 17-season major league career.
Abreu played in 92 games for the Dodgers in 2012 after being waived by the Angels after just eight games. With the Dodgers, the outfielder hit .246 with a .704 OPS. He was a year removed from serving as the Angels' everyday designated hitter, having hit .253 with a .717 OPS.
The Red Sox have explored first base solutions throughout the offseason, looking for both everyday and backup options. The team is still attempting to come to a resolution with free agent first baseman Mike Napoli, who originally agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract on Dec. 3, but saw his deal at least temporarily derailed due to concern over the infielder's injured hip.
The news of Abreu's workout was first reported by Venezuelan journalist Rafael Tejera. (Hat tip to Chris Cotillo.) [1]
For more Red Sox news, go to the team page at weei.com/redsox [2].
Links:
[1] http://clnsradio.com/2012/12/29/report-red-sox-scouting-bobby-abreu/
[2] http://weei.com/redsox
[3] http://www.weei.com/category/boston/red-sox