WooSox: David Hamilton and Wilyer Abreu earn Red Sox Minor of the League Player of the Month honors
When the Red Sox acquired both David Hamilton and Wilyer Abreu in separate trades, the moves were met with backlash from the fanbase. Since their respective trades, both players excelled through the Red Sox system.
Last week, Hamilton was named Red Sox Base Runner of the Month of April and Abreu was named Red Sox Defensively Player of the Month.
Hamilton and his fellow teammate Greg Allen are the top two stolen base leaders in the International League. Allen trails Hamilton (20 stolen bases) by three stolen bases with 17. However, the Base Runner of the Month is different from Base Stealer of the Month.
The 25-year-old infielder was named the fastest prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline. The former University of Texas standout stole a franchise record 70 bases last season.
“He is very fun to watch because he can beat you in a lot of ways and it is fun to watch a guy who realizes that. When he gets on base, it’s even more fun,” said Tracy.
Abreu made his Triple-A debut this season and has been impressing the Red Sox organization.
The 23-year-old has looked great in the outfield, particularly in right field. He was recently moved to left field while playing at Polar Park because it’s bigger than most other MiLB outfields. Now he can show off his impressive arm strength from left field when at home.
“He made some good throws from right field; he just really has a great arm,” said Tracy. It’s a strong accurate arm that stays low to the ground and seems to always perfectly one hop to the base.”
Abreu is batting .303 with a .402 on-base percentage, .474 slugging percentage, .876 OPS, three homers, four doubles, 15 runs, 15 RBIs, 14 walks and 19 strikeouts in 21 games overall for the WooSox this season.
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