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White Sox Abreu Wins AL Rookie Of The Year Award

By Chuck Sudo in News on Nov 11, 2014 2:50PM

Jose Abreu is the best thing to happen to the White Sox since Mark Buerhle's perfect game, if not the 2005 World Series champions. The Cuban slugger capped an impressive rookie campaign by winning AL Rookie of the Year honors Monday. Abreu, who hit .317 with 36 home runs, 107 RBI, 73 extra-base hits, a .383 on-base percentage, a .964 OPS, 323 total bases and a major league-leading .581 slugging percentage, earned all 30 first place votes to become the fourth Cuban-born player to win Rookie of the Year honors and the first White Sox player to earn the distinction since Ozzie Guillen in 1985.

At 27, Abreu also becomes the fifth-oldest Rookie of the Year winner but years of playing with the Cuban national team seasoned him for his big league debut. Abreu signed a six-year, $68 million deal with the White Sox last season, a deal which may be undervalued if Abreu continues to perform at this level.

"Even though it doesn't show in my face, inside I'm really, really happy," said Abreu through translator and White Sox Spanish language broadcaster Hector Molina. "I want to thank the White Sox for giving me the opportunity to be here."

Abreu swept the major Rookie of the year honors. He won the Sporting News Rookie of the Year award in October, followed by the Players Choice award by his MLB peers. Abreu added to his postseason accolades when he was awarded a Silver Slugger award for a first baseman. Abreu is a cornerstone of the rebuilding White Sox and said he is looking forward to doing what he can to help the Sox become a contender.

"What I want to do is win with the White Sox," he said. "It's something that has been in my mind through the season and the off-season. I'm working toward next season for the White Sox."