Freel needs regular days off

[RedsManRick]

I've always been one who says Freel should be playing every day based on his performance. However, I've got to say, he was really struggling the last 2 weeks or so. Since given a few days off, he's looking much better. Not that I want him on the bench, but there really seems to be some merit to the idea that to get his best, he needs to have regular days off.

[jimbo]

I'd like to see the guy harness his aggressiveness somewhat. He's had too many rally killers lately by making bonehead mistakes on the basepaths. I like Freel's approach to the game but he isn't a smart player. I like his role as a utilility guy who will average around 3-4 starts a week.

[Falls City Beer]

There may validity to it; trouble is with that theory, Freel put up his best numbers as an everyday starter in 2004. So, the numbers say otherwise.

[Kc61]

I will take this guy on my team any day. He does make overaggressive errors. But he also gets on base and makes things happen.

Right now, I would dump about 15 of these guys for nothing. I'd keep Freel

[Falls City Beer]

Originally Posted by Kc61

I will take this guy on my team any day. He does make overaggressive errors. But he also gets on base and makes things happen.

Right now, I would dump about 15 of these guys for nothing. I'd keep Freel

In large part I agree.

[NJReds]

Originally Posted by Falls City Beer

There may validity to it; trouble is with that theory, Freel put up his best numbers as an everyday starter in 2004. So, the numbers say otherwise.

Was that 'pre' toe injury?

[Falls City Beer]

Originally Posted by NJReds

Was that 'pre' toe injury?

I don't know. He was excellent in 103 games in 2005. No, that's not an everyday player, but what it does tell me is that Freel produces when he's in the lineup not out of it.

[dabvu2498]

Was Freel hitting leadoff in 2004???

[Falls City Beer]

Originally Posted by dabvu2498

Was Freel hitting leadoff in 2004???

I believe so. Does it make much difference *where* he was hitting? In a full-season's worth of ABs, he had a .375 OBP. And used great speed. He was an elite top of the order hitter.

[dabvu2498]

Originally Posted by Falls City Beer

I believe so. Does it make much difference *where* he was hitting? In a full-season's worth of ABs, he had a .375 OBP. And used great speed. He was an elite top of the order hitter.

I'd say it matters to the pitchers who were pitching to him where he was hitting in the order.

[ochre]

Only the first time through the order.

[dabvu2498]

Originally Posted by ochre

Only the first time through the order.

Hitting after the pitcher (1st) or before (8th) would matter quite a bit most every AB.

[RedsManRick]

Originally Posted by Falls City Beer

I don't know. He was excellent in 103 games in 2005. No, that's not an everyday player, but what it does tell me is that Freel produces when he's in the lineup not out of it.

Umm.. duh?

The point is that in any 15 game stretch, it's possible we'll get better production out of 12 games of Freel and 3 of somebody else than we would out of 15 games of Freel.

I'm not advocating he play only 2-3 times a week. I'm saying he shouldn't be playing 20 days in a row without a day off. There's some grey room to play with there...

[dabvu2498]

Originally Posted by RedsManRick

I'm not advocating he play only 2-3 times a week. I'm saying he shouldn't be playing 20 days in a row without a day off. There's some grey room to play with there...

I like the idea of him getting 15/20 plate appearances per week. If he's hot, ride him, if he's cold, play him less. That's one thing the "depth" of this team should allow once (if) everyone is healthy.

[Falls City Beer]

Originally Posted by RedsManRick

Umm.. duh?

The point is that in any 15 game stretch, it's possible we'll get better production out of 12 games of Freel and 3 of somebody else than we would out of 15 games of Freel.

I'm not advocating he play only 2-3 times a week. I'm saying he shouldn't be playing 20 days in a row without a day off. There's some grey room to play with there...

So glad you picked up on the sarcasm.

I'll make it easy. Freel. Leadoff.

And spend your time worrying how to relegate Phillips to the bench.