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Abreu hopes to extend impressive run with Chicago White Sox

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Jose Abreu's exploits as a hitter are well documented.

Last season the Chicago White Sox's first baseman joined Joe DiMaggio and Albert Pujols as the only players in major-league history to begin their careers with four straight 25 home runs/100 RBI seasons.

Abreu also became the fourth Sox player to lead the American League in total bases (343), joining Albert Belle, Minnie Minoso and "Shoeless" Joe Jackson.

He's not that impressed.

"I always want to get better," Abreu said through translator Billy Russo on Sunday at Camelback Ranch.

The 31-year-old Abreu's status as a solid teammate also is well known. Growing into the White Sox's leader, Abreu took fellow Cuban Yoan Moncada under his wing last season, and he started doing the same with outfield prospect Luis Robert on Sunday.

"I'm doing that from the bottom of the heart," Abreu said. "I'm not expecting anything from them. I just like to help people. When I started playing at the age of 16 in Cuba, I had older people who helped me to get better.

"As my parents raised me, I need to be glad with life, glad with the people that helped me out. I want to give back things that I've learned and pass that along. That's what I'm doing. I'm not expecting anything else; I'm just glad to help them and to get them better."

What don't we know about Abreu?

When asked about goals after Sunday's workout, the 6-foot-3, 244-pounder said he wants to steal more bases.

"I will at least try," Abreu said.

Why the sudden need for unexpected speed?

"Just because I think I can do it," Abreu said. "I really believe I can do it, and I like the challenge. I like to challenge myself, and I think that's a good challenge for me and I'm ready for it."

Abreu stole three bases as a rookie in 2014 and three last season. In 2015-16, he didn't have any stolen bases.

Manager Rick Renteria chuckled when apprised of Abreu's plan.

"They're all going to continue to improve their baserunning skills, and if that (stolen bases) happens to be one of the outcomes, that would be awesome," Renteria said. "But I'm actually more concerned about him making sure he gets himself ready to swing the bat and catch the ball at first."

With a .301 average, 124 home runs, 410 RBI and .883 OPS in his first four seasons with the Sox, Abreu can swing the bat with the best of them.

He also put in the extra work last season to make himself a serviceable first baseman.

Even if his dream of being a fleet baserunner bogs down, Abreu has huge value on the field and in the clubhouse.

It remains to be seen if he continues helping the White Sox or is the latest veteran to be traded for more prospects in the ongoing rebuild.

"Like I said, I'm very glad with life," said Abreu, who is under contract with the Sox for two more seasons. "I'm very glad with this opportunity. I'm really happy to have an opportunity to make my mom's dream come true to see me play in the major leagues. I hope to play my whole career in the majors with the White Sox, but I can't control that."

If it was Renteria's call, which it is not, Abreu would stay put on the South Side until he's done playing.

"Everyone knows that things happen with every club in major-league baseball and you always have to make an adjustment when those things happen," Renteria said. "But, that being said, with Pito we're certainly very, very happy that he's still a White Sox, and we hope to see him as a White Sox as we move forward.

"He brings a lot to the table, and we're going to continue to take advantage of it."

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