Jose Abreu, 1B, White Sox

The idea of Jose Abreu playing an April game at Coors Field appeared real in October. The Rockies were all in on the Cuban free agent, quietly upping the ante over several weeks. During theWorld Series, the bidding grew serious. The Rockies told Abreu’s agents they’d go to $63 million over six years. At that point, the Rockies were in the lead— even if team owner DickMonfort was nervous — and hoping to play on Abreu’s desire to play in the most hitterfriendly ballpark in baseball history. Problem was, Abreu had never heard of Coors Jose Abreu Field. He was look

ing for the biggest contract. TheWhite Sox delivered at $68 million and had the advantage of Cuban players on their roster. Rockies fans get to see Abreu this week in LoDo.

Abreu entered Friday with momentum, getting five hits in his first 12 at-bats. Abreu doesn’t have the athleticism of Yoenis Cespedes or the speed of Yasiel Puig, Cubans who have electrified baseball in recent years. But he might have more power. He takes a cut befitting his 6-foot-3, 255-pound frame, which makes him look more like a college offensive lineman than a first baseman.

Abreu made sense for the Rockies on every level. They needed power at first base and a ready replacement for the retired Todd Helton. The Rockies were aggressive because of Abreu’s age — he’s entering his prime at 27. But while he fit the roster perfectly, there was concern how it might have impacted the Rockies’ ability to acquire reliever Boone Logan. Many predict Abreu will be the American League rookie of the year. My bet is that Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka will run away with the trophy. Abreu will clobber fourth and fifth starters. His ability to reach greatness this season hinges on whether he has the bat speed to hit aces and late-inning relievers.