Gregor: White Sox's Abreu is one of AL's most underrated players

Maybe it's the result of starting his major-league career at age 27.

Maybe it's because he doesn't like talking about himself, and speaking only Spanish creates a language barrier.

Maybe it's the result of playing on four straight White Sox teams that had losing records.

It's probably a combination of the three that - when added up - make Sox first baseman Jose Abreu one of the American League's most underrated players.

We'll also examine some of the AL's other overlooked talent, but Abreu is definitely on the list.

Consider this: The 30-year-old Abreu is attempting to join Al Simmons, Albert Pujols, Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio as the only players in history to drive in 100 or more runs in each of their first four seasons.

With 43 games left on the schedule, Abreu needs 29 RBI to join a very exclusive club. He had a run-scoring single in Sunday's 14-6 loss to Kansas City at Guaranteed Rate Field.

In Saturday night's 5-4 loss to the Royals, Abreu hit a pair of solo home runs, giving him 21 for the season.

He is the first player in Sox history to hit 20 or more homers in each of his first four seasons.

That is remarkable consistency, even if few have noticed.

Abreu credits former teammates Dayan Viciedo, Alexei Ramirez, Paul Konerko, Adam Dunn, former manager Robin Ventura and the late Minnie Minoso for helping him make the transition from Cienfuegos in his native Cuba to the major leagues.

His family has also played a major role in his development.

"That was the way my parents and my family taught me to be, especially as a player," Abreu said through an interpreter. "And that's something, it's the only way I know how to play baseball. Working hard, putting myself in the best position I can be to play.

"Also, if I don't do that, I know that my mom is going to call me and is going to say something to me."

Odds are, Abreu has not talked to his mom about a lack of desire and effort since he joined the White Sox in 2014.

Here's a quick look at some of the AL's other most underrated players:

Jose Ramirez, Indians

After batting .219 in 2015, his first season as a regular player for Cleveland, Ramirez's game has taken off.

Ramirez batted .312 last year and he leads Cleveland with a .310 average this season. Ramirez is a solid defender at third base and is also versatile enough to play second.

Kyle Seager, Mariners

Even though he is on pace to hit 25 or more home runs for the fourth straight season, the Seattle third baseman is still best known for being the older brother of rising Dodgers star Corey Seager.

Alex Cobb, Rays

He missed the entire 2015 season, and most of last year, after having Tommy John surgery.

Tampa Bay's right-handed starter is healthy again this season and he's helped the surprising Rays stay in the wild-card hunt.

Andrelton Simmons, Angels

It's hard to get deserved recognition when you're sharing the dugout with Mike Trout, but Simmons deserves his due.

Not only is he hitting over .300, the 27-year-old shortstop is one of the league's top defenders.