Ryan Freel (IF/OF), Cin

Ryan Freel has already said that he's willing to be more of a Utility player and let Josh Hamilton start at CF.

Reds trying to get Hamilton into lineup

Quote:

Center fielder Ryan Freel didn't wait for somebody to tell him to start taking infield practice. He can see what the Cincinnati Reds need most. A day after Freel agreed to a two-year, $7 million contract extension, he was on the move. Freel was at third base on Tuesday, a temporary position switch to accommodate a player who needs a permanent place in the lineup. Josh Hamilton has been that good. Hamilton can play center or right field. Ken Griffey Jr. was moved from center to right field during spring training so Freel could have a full-time spot in center -- the first time during Freel's career that he could concentrate on one role. Watching Hamilton perform in his limited chances made Freel realize he was going to have to go back to his utility role to create a place for the newcomer. So, on his own, Freel started taking infield practice last week.

Let's quickly look at Freel's ABs since he came into the bigs to stay:

2004 - 505
2005 - 369
2006 - 454

He was injured in 2005, and has battled minor injuries basically throughout his career. This just screams super-utility player. I just don't think he can hold up to get 550 to 600 ABs. 500 looks to be his max. And that basically means he is a 1 category guy - SBs. He's a .275 hitter that won't rack up any of the counting stats (HRs, Runs, RBIs) because he doesn't log enough ABs.

Just keep that in mind if you are thinking of acquiring Freel. I think the Reds' decision to use him as a utility guy is the right decision.

guru4u wrote:

He's a .275 hitter that won't rack up any of the counting stats (HRs, Runs, RBIs) because he doesn't log enough ABs.

I don't think that his lack of AB's is the reason he won't rack up any of the counting stats... I think his lack of power and his spot in the order are more the reason why. He is leadoff hitter. If he can get 450-500 AB this year he should give you a healthy amount of stolen bases and runs scored...

mpriest13 wrote:

guru4u wrote: He's a .275 hitter that won't rack up any of the counting stats (HRs, Runs, RBIs) because he doesn't log enough ABs. I don't think that his lack of AB's is the reason he won't rack up any of the counting stats... I think his lack of power and his spot in the order are more the reason why. He is leadoff hitter. If he can get 450-500 AB this year he should give you a healthy amount of stolen bases and runs scored...

Yeah, but it's tough for the guy to score Runs when he's not in the lineup. Even when he did have 505 ABs, he only scored 75 Runs. SB's? Sure, he'll contribute. Just don't expect a positive contribution in any other category from Freel. That's all I was trying to say.

guru4u wrote:

mpriest13 wrote: guru4u wrote: He's a .275 hitter that won't rack up any of the counting stats (HRs, Runs, RBIs) because he doesn't log enough ABs. I don't think that his lack of AB's is the reason he won't rack up any of the counting stats... I think his lack of power and his spot in the order are more the reason why. He is leadoff hitter. If he can get 450-500 AB this year he should give you a healthy amount of stolen bases and runs scored... Yeah, but it's tough for the guy to score Runs when he's not in the lineup. Even when he did have 505 ABs, he only scored 75 Runs. SB's? Sure, he'll contribute. Just don't expect a positive contribution in any other category from Freel. That's all I was trying to say.

I think he may be good for more than 75 runs this year with their lineup. Plus it seems like the Reds are intent on getting him as many AB's as possible. If I remember correctly he missed at least a little time in each of the past three seasons...if he can just stay healthy he could be good for more than 550 AB's. That being said...I agree that he is a 4th or 5th outfielder at best becuase he only gives you the two categories at best.

That's part of the problem too - he's never been able to stay healthy. He's one of those all-out players that basically makes himself injury-prone because of his style of play. He doesn't hit the DL for long stints, but does need the occasional day off to heal his various bumps and bruises.

I just don't see him logging >500 ABs. Certainly, if he did he could score more Runs. But I just do not see it happening.

if he doesn't get hurt (which as many have already said has always been his biggest problem) freel will get a TON of at bats this year, especially with encarnacion playing terribly

I think the reds realize now that HAMILTON has to be in the lineup everyday, so with that in place somebody has to be the odd man out and right now that someone has to be encarnacion

Picked up Hamilton in two leagues. He's always had the talent. Hopefully this is finally his season to perform like he can.