Levine: Jose Abreu Primed For Big Season

By Bruce Levine-

MESA, Ariz. (CBS) -- If you're the betting type, you might consider putting a small sum down on White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu repeating or surpassing last season's big offensive numbers.

The reigning American League rookie of the year, Abreu dedicated his offseason to better conditioning and durability for he upcoming campaign. Abreu, 28, was one of the top players in the game in 2014, compiling monster numbers. In 145 games, Abreu hit .317 with 36 home runs and 107 RBIs.

Abreu wouldn't get into the numbers game with the media on Monday. Like most great teammates, his focus is on the team's fortunes rather than his own.

"I am not comfortable talking about myself," the Cuban native said through a translator. "I prefer talking about the team and our overall accomplishments."

Abreu worked extensively on leg and core exercises this offseason. Getting through the 162-game season was challenging for him after playing only 95-game seasons in Cuban professional baseball.

"Last year I learned how to handle the long season," Abreu said. "I am working on that right now, making sure my conditioning is good and trying to be in the best shape possible for the season. What I learned was not just to be ready for the season but to train for the whole season. I want to play all of the games."

The affable Abreu wasn't drawn in on the potential conflict of both he and Adam LaRoche needing playing time at first base. The other landing place for the two will be as designated hitter, and manager Robin Ventura will be tasked with figuring out the best way to split up their positions up.

"The front office did a great job in the offseason getting LaRoche," Abreu said. "He is an outstanding player, and everybody has told me he is a great person. My main goal is to play everyday. Whatever Robin decides will be OK. He will decide where I can help the team most. I will be ready to play every day."

Though Abreu has worked hard to be a better first baseman, a key to an improved team defense would be using LaRoche most of the time at first base. The metrics show a big difference between the two. Scouts point to range difference being a huge factor. This element alone determines what gets through the infield and how a team's second baseman is positioned.

"My goal every day is to try to be better at the position," Abreu said. "I want to strive for perfection every time I am out on the field."

Trying to improve on his offensive numbers will be a tall task for Abreu after his impressive 2014 season. Abreu hit only seven of his 36 home runs after the All-Star break, but on the other hand, he added 25 points to his batting average in the second half, hitting .350 in lieu of a power stroke.

"I am working on all aspects of my game, not just one area," Abreu said. "My goal is to be the best person and player I can be."

To date, Ventura has refused to predict how many games Abreu will play at first base.

"Any time you try to get ahead of something like that (is a mistake)," Ventura said. "You tell Adam he might play just once a week, and then he is playing five days a week (at first base). I want both of them to be ready for anything. That is a better way to go than telling one of them, 'Don't worry about playing first base.' This is the easiest way to go about it. We know it is a long season, and anything can happen."

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.