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Freel Could Be Traded
Hal McCoy of the Hamilton Journal-News notes that superutility man Ryan Freel is in a precarious position in Cincinnati. The Reds don't have a major need for him; he makes $3MM this year and $4MM in '09. McCoy and Freel have both heard trade rumblings.
The best part about Freel's availability is that the Frofton monster could still be created. Back in mid-December I wrote:
Here's the kicker of my plan: pair Kenny Lofton with Ryan Freel. Freel couldn't touch lefties last year but the two previous years he had OBPs over .400 against them. Taking Lofton's '07 vs. righties and Freel's '06 vs. lefties and creating one hybrid Frofton Monster, you get a .311/.394/.444 hitter. Even better, Freel can help out at second base when righties are on the hill.
This plan was devised for the White Sox pre-Swisher, and I conceded that it didn't pay much attention to defense at a key position. So it's not without its flaws. But I still contend that Freel and Lofton could make a very solid offensive platoon. Plus you get the midget in Freel's head, Farney. The problem is that teams have mostly settled their center field situations and don't have two free roster spots. Still seems like Freel alone could fit in with the Sox.
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yes, he's one of those grinders that KW loves so much.
Posted by: sweetswingingbw | March 10, 2008 at 09:08 AM
He's someone the Indians should consider IMO.
He could replace Casey Blake at 3B. Provide coverage in case Asdubral Cabrera or Frankin Guitterez don't pan out for the whole season at 2B or RF respectively.
Play most other positions in a pinch.
He's an asset, I'm sure most teams wouldnt mind having but I'm sure that he also wants to start everyday too which might be hard to find at this stage of the offseason.
Especially for a contender
Posted by: jza1218 | March 10, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Freel needs to go somewhere ehere he can start every day. I need to see his balls-to-the-wall plays every day on ESPN. It's a little boost every day to watch him dive into the stands head-first, injuring 2 fans, or nearly kill himself going after a fly ball.
Posted by: FineHamAbounds | March 10, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I still think that Freel belongs on the White Sox. I have been tossing his name amongst my baseball buddies for about two years now. He's out of a starting job in Cinci and the Sox have an openning at 2B. My personal opinion is that they trade for Freel, plug him into the 2B hole (which is where he broke into the bigs at), give Richar another year or 2 at AAA, and use Ramirez and Bourgeios as utility infielders/outfielders. Uribe could be paired with a Bryan Anderson and traded to Cinci. With the loss of A. Gonzales at SS for the Reds, they have an openning as well. Get it done KW, bring in another grinder.
Posted by: ChiSox33 | March 10, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Gonzalez will be back soon enough so I don't see the Reds taking on money to fill the position for a month. I do like Anderson though, pair him with a reliever that is out of options or something and I think it could easily be done
Posted by: schellis | March 10, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Both Nick Masset and Gavin Floyd are out of options. I have never been too high on either of them. Mike MacDougal might be viewed as a project pitcher. He still has the "stuff" (according to some), whatever that means now-a-days, just not the confidence to go along with it. It might be the best move KW ever makes if he brings that number 6 into a black pinstriped jersey.
Posted by: ChiSox33 | March 10, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Guys -
Freel can't play every day. After about 3 weeks playing every day, all of his stats go into the dump.
Not to say he isn't valuable. If he's used as a "super sub", or in a platoon, he's very valuable. For him to stay healthy an productive, though, he shouldn't play more than 4 times a week.
Posted by: sidnancy | March 10, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Freel's been one of my favorites for a long time, and he would be a good fit with the White Sox, moreso than Jerry Owens.
That Lofton/Freel won't work out on the South side, though. Kenny Lofton completely wore out his welcome here the last time, and would not be asked back.
Posted by: Cold Golden Falstaff | March 10, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Freel can be easily had, but not for Uribe.
Package Anderson and David Aardsma, and youve got a done deal.
Posted by: GmblngPtchr20 | March 10, 2008 at 08:47 PM
tough to trade Aardsma when he's already been traded...I like Freel going to the South Siders, he def would help late innings spelling swisher's suspect center defense, having him slide to left, right, or first. Uribe has no trade value, but if he were in Cinci, his stock would rise I'm sure do to the launching pad of GABP, it might inflate his slg %.
Posted by: Andrew I | March 11, 2008 at 01:20 AM
Aardsma's already gone. However, we have several pitchers who either are out of options, or who are close to being out of options. Masset, Floyd, MacDougal (1 more minor league option). Those don't even include some of the pitchers the Sox should or would like to move. Thornton, Logan, ect. I'm sure that the parts are there for this deal, but enter Kenny Williams not to make the wise decision.
Posted by: ChiSox33 | March 11, 2008 at 01:21 PM