Phils' Bobby Abreu silences his doubters; since coming to Philadelphia in 1998, young outfielder has been a consistent producer offensively and defensively.(Interview)

WHEN BOBBY ABREU ARRIVED on the Philadelphia sporting scene in the spring of 1998, he was a shy, slightly built young man who spoke little English. He came to town in a trade with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays with exceptional baseball tools, but some wondered if he'd ever live up to his potential.

Four years later, Abreu has become a man--and a terrific baseball player--right before our eyes.

He strolls confidently through the Phillies' clubhouse, talking comfortably with teammates in Spanish or English. Under his red warm-up top is a muscular frame, and on his resume are four pretty impressive baseball seasons.

Abreu, who was born in Venezuela, turned 28 last March 11. He recently signed a five-year, $64 million contract extension that will keep him in red pin-stripes through at least the 2007 season. This is his prime. His time has come.

"No question about it," Phillies hitting coach Greg Gross said. "And I'm looking forward to watching it."

Gross says Abreu is one of the more complete offensive players in baseball, comparing his ability as a hitter to two of the best in the game--Larry Walker and Todd Helton, both of the Colorado Rockies.

"Like those guys, Bobby is capable of playing the game from foul line to foul line," Gross said. "I see him as a .300 hitter who'll score runs, produce runs, and hit home runs to all parts of the ball park."