Los Angeles Dodgers: What to Expect from Bobby Abreu

Four years ago the Dodgers signing of Bobby Abreu may have been met with a little more excitement. Abreu has played in eight games this year and is currently batting .208 (5 for 24).

The Dodgers outfield is currently without vacancies and is currently occupied by Juan Rivera (LF), Tony Gwynn Jr (LF), Matt Kemp (CF), and Andre Ethier (RF). It appears Abreu will become Don Mattingly's first option off the bench.

Over the last few years Abreu has declined significantly, and at 38 years of age this is not uncommon. His last good year was with the Los Angeles Angels in 2009 when he drove in 103 runs and batted .293 in 563 at-bats.

Some Dodger fans may hear the name Abreu and start to rekindle his glory days with the Yankees, but expectations need to be lowered. It's also important to understand the kind of role he is going to have with this Dodger team.

The best example of what to expect from Abreu is Jason Giambi (Colorado Rockies). Giambi is a left handed hitter off the bench that Jim Tracy can use in game changing situations. Dodger fans witnessed this earlier in the week when he hit a walk off home run.

One area of concern for the Dodgers is what they had to do in order to sign Abreu. The team optioned Justin Sellers to Triple-A Albuquerque. This leaves Dee Gordon, and his slow start, as the only shortstop on the active roster.

Abreu will be joining the team for today's game against the Cubs in Chicago.