Pirates corner infielder David Freese has battled depression throughout his life, often making his reputation as a Cardinals World Series hero (and St. Louis-area native) feel like a burden, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale writes. Freese’s depression and difficulty defining himself in the wake of his 2011 World Series heroics led to a downward spiral. (Freese also had a previous history of alcoholism and alcohol-related arrests.) “You could tell something was not right,” says Cardinals GM John Mozeliak said. “I don’t know the bloody details what was going on, but I knew the path he was on was going to make life difficult for him to manage.” The Cardinals noticed the problem and provided counseling, but ultimately decided that it was best for both Freese and the team if he had a change of scenery. They then traded him to the Angels, where he wouldn’t have to deal quite so much with the social demands of his popularity in St. Louis. Freese also met the woman who became his wife. Now in Pittsburgh, he feels he’s turned his life around. “I used to be so afraid what would happen to me after baseball,” he says. Now, though, “I can’t wait to get out of bed in the morning. You wake up, and you’re ready to face the world.” Here’s more from the NL Central.
- Lefty Amir Garrett, who’s off to a fast start as a big-league rookie this year, has been in the Reds system since they drafted him out of high school in 2011, but in an unusual arrangement, the team allowed him to play college basketball at St. John’s in his offseasons, writes Tyler Kepner of the New York Times. Garrett averaged 6.2 points per game as a guard at St. John’s for two years while navigating the lower levels of the Reds’ farm system. “That experience, I’d never change it,” he says. “If I could do it all over again, I’d do the same thing. The education I got, becoming a better student, a better person. College taught me how to grow up and be a man.”
- Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks’ fastball velocity so far this season has been in the 86 MPH range, about two MPH slower than usual, and he’s struggled so far, with 11 runs and four home runs allowed over 16 innings. The Cubs aren’t yet concerned about him, however, as Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune writes. They feel that when his velocity returns, he’ll have enough separation to make his usually devastating changeup effective again. “When he gets back to 87-88 (mph) then you’re going to see that greater separation,” says manager Joe Maddon. “There’s not a dramatic separation between the two pitches, and that’s where the disconnect for him is now.”
Love freese, great player better person.
Dude take it down a few notches. He’s a bit of a let down as a player. How would you know about him being a great person?
Dude, did you ever realize maybe he does know Freese, thus giving him first hand knowledge to speak on him being a great player?? And dude, who are YOU to judge his opinion anyway, why do you care?? Dude, if he or anyone thinks Freese, or any other player is a great person, it’s NOT up to you to judge. Apparently dude, you’ve never heard of following somebody their entire career and on social media. Finally dude, who actually replies with dude anyway??
You sound ridiculous..knowing someone from social media what a load!
Yeah dude
don’t ever call me dude, again. call me a$$hole, jerk, troll anything, but do not call me dude.
You sound like a miserable person famine. Anyone let alone an athlete willing to talk about their struggles with depression, and addiction is a hero to me. Then you got to rain even more by calling him a let down as a player. Would you want to be called a let down cause you weren’t feeling it on the fry machine at McDonald’s last night?
Where does it show he’s not a let down? He’s been ok at best and certainly not great! The other stuff you mention..geez give me a break! Go back to your coffee and donuts.
I actually do know him, though not incredibly well. We have a mutual friend that was a groomsmen in his wedding and we’ve met several times. Well enough that he knows who I am, I obviously know who he is.
From the few times I have met him, and what I know of him from our friend. He is incredibly down to earth, very humble. And doesn’t really care to discuss baseball socially outside of the obligatory necessities.
He’s been super nice to me, even though I basically slobbed all over him like a 7 year old meeting an idol (note, I like him as a player, but meeting MLB players in real life is still awesome).
He’s a really nice guy. Loves music. I’m glad he’s doing well, I haven’t seen him now in a couple of years :(
Get a room
K
I know him well.. went to my rival high school and we both went to the same college. My good friend was roommates with him so I got to hang with him a lot.. Hes a solid guy… or should I say “dude” ha ha
Hes a decent player , not even close to being great.
Been totally impressed with Garrett thus far. Might be a smoke screen start to the season but red fans should be happy
It’s been fun to watch. I like how he competes. Let’s see how he does the second time around the league – that’s the true test.
I will always be grateful to Freese for carrying the Cards in the 2011 postseason…and I can see why it would be hard to be a human being among a city of adoring fans. The Batman mask he likes could have several meanings.
Freese is a Batman fanatic? Good. We haven’t had any of those since A.J. Burnett and his boy ward, Jeff Locke.
The article about Freese was great. The more public figures who are open about their illnesses, be they mental or physical, the better it is in terms of raising awareness.
Of course the participation trophy generation loves reading about excuses . Its a good thing it’s not 1942 or the Germans would have whooped our snowflake butts
Wtf are you talking about
You are out of your element Donnie
The fact bastros88 doesn’t get your comment makes me hate humans. Nice reply too Billymayshere. He’s probably a nihilist.
You’re not wrong Walter, you’re just an…
You think mental illness is an excuse for something? You really are the most cancerous person on here
Go fu*k yourself. Nobody is making excuses. Depression is real, and unless you or someone close to you has experienced it you should probably keep your mouth shut.
Hendricks fastball sat at 84 with a few at 85 his last start. Wear and tear of long seasons taking a toll?
Isn’t the radar gun reading about .5 mph faster this year too?
When you drop from 87 to 85 mph, does it really matter? His game is all about location. At his fastest, he wasn’t sneaking fastballs past anyone on straight velocity.
He has never had a 200 inning season. Arrieta velocity down too.
Could be because maddon decided not to give his rotation as much work as normal in spring training.
I would expect the opposite effect.
No its not taking its toll
Oh, ok. Thanks for the input.