What to do with Freel - RedsZone.com - Cincinnati Reds Fans' Home for Baseball Discussion

Will M · 12-23-2007, 01:26 PM

The way the team is currently set up we have these 13 position players: Votto, Hat, Phillips, Gonzo, EE, Keppinger, Griffey, Freel, Bruce, Hopper, Dunn, Ross & Valentin.

Freel brings speed and versatility. However, the emergence of Hopper and Keppinger in 2007 make Freel superfluous.

Here is what I would like to see before opening day:

1. The Reds get a right handed power bat for the bench. Someone who hits lefties well. ie Kevin Mench.

2. We see in spring training if Freel is healthy & we see if Bruce is ready to play in the bigs opening day. We also make sure we don't have any injuries to a starter before opening day. If all looks good then we trade Freel in spring training to a team who needs him. I suspect if he is healthy he could be traded because some team out there will have an injury to a 2nd baseman, 3rd baseman or outfielder in spring training & need a replacement.

Thoughts?

KronoRed · 12-23-2007, 02:22 PM

Trade him, his style of play and his age make me think he'll have more years like 07 then 06.

WMR · 12-23-2007, 02:25 PM

Make him play with a crash helmet.

Highlifeman21 · 12-23-2007, 02:31 PM

One of Freel and Hopper will most likely start the 2008 as the Reds' starting CF, and that scares the crap out of me. I'm hoping that we can move one, if not both of them, to improve our CF stopgap until Bruce is ready.

I don't see Freel and or Hopper getting traded for pitching that will help us, but maybe we can move them for another position player? Who knows? But right now, I don't like our options in CF before Bruce is ready.

RedsManRick · 12-23-2007, 04:13 PM

I know Freel had a really rough 2007, but I think he might even be underrated in 2008. Yes, he needs to get the OBP up and relearn how to run the bases with more cautious aggression. However, Hopper is a guy who made the majors at 28 with a career minor leauge line of .289/.343/.335.

He has virtually no power, don't forget that. 14/20 SB isn't exactly great added value. If he can continue to hit .320, he could remain a pretty valuable guy. But he's locked in to the OF and isn't exactly a stellar value. At his best, he's what Freel has been from 2004-2006 with less speed, less power, and less position flexibility.

If you can trade Freel and get value in return, fine. But if I have to choose, Hopper goes back to AAA and Freel gets first crack at getting his job back as supersub.

Joseph · 12-23-2007, 04:22 PM

I'll go out on a limb here and say Keppinger doesn't make the opening day roster in favor of Castro. If Castro isn't healthy, then maybe Kepp will.

If thats indeed true, I say Freel stays to be the back up at 2B and 3B.

corkedbat · 12-23-2007, 04:30 PM

I try to trade him, but think his contract may make him tough to deal. If I can't move him, he's still versatile enough to keep around until he face plants into a wall somewhere. If the OPs 13-man list is right above and Bruce makes the club out of Spring Training, I would also like to see them add a right handed-bat and only keep one of Freel, Hopper and Dickerson (probably Freel because of his ability to help in the INF in an emergency.

Do either Hopper or Dickerson have opitions left? I would expect to see on of them (or Freel) included in a lesser deal (or throw-in on a larger one) before the end of ST, if not sooner.

corkedbat · 12-23-2007, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joseph

I'll go out on a limb here and say Keppinger doesn't make the opening day roster in favor of Castro. If Castro isn't healthy, then maybe Kepp will.

If thats indeed true, I say Freel stays to be the back up at 2B and 3B.

Freel needs to run into Castro. I want neither he nor Stanton near the roster come Opening Day! :thumbdown

CaiGuy · 12-23-2007, 04:36 PM

The team will probably have five bench spots next season. Scott and Javy are locks. Considering that they are limited to C/1B, the rest (3) of the spots must cover SS, 3rd, 2nd, and the OF. With Kepp and Hopper apperently making the roster, that gives the roster one IF and one OF. It would make sense, then, to give Freel the final spot considering that he is versitile enough to cover the IF and OF. If he gets on base anywhere near .370 again, he could be a very valuable utility guy.

I think that Hopper has played some 2nd in the past (not sure), so he could see some infield time as well.

Aronchis · 12-23-2007, 04:40 PM

I can see Freel starting in CF. Jay Bruce doesn't have the range and he is a corner outfielder whether he likes it or not.

Besides, having Bruce and Dunn out there together is flat scary. If they collided, GAB would blow up. Gotta keep those 2 bigmen seperated.

corkedbat · 12-23-2007, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aronchis

I can see Freel starting in CF. Jay Bruce doesn't have the range and he is a corner outfielder whether he likes it or not.

Besides, having Bruce and Dunn out there together is flat scary. If they collided, GAB would blow up. Gotta keep those 2 bigmen seperated.

If Bruce plays well in ST I think he starts the season in CFbut I can also see him in L'Ville w/Freel inCG if bruce is not lights out.

Bruce may not be a gold glover, but I think he's at least better in CF than Freel defensively.

chicoruiz · 12-23-2007, 05:30 PM

Not sure the Reds will feel the need to have 12 pitchers on the roster at the start of the season. especially since carrying 11 would make room for the elusive RH bat.

Unless they're serious about Valenzuela; then they might need 12 from the git-go.

pedro · 12-23-2007, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joseph

I'll go out on a limb here and say Keppinger doesn't make the opening day roster in favor of Castro. If Castro isn't healthy, then maybe Kepp will.

.

IMO, there's a not a chance in hell of that happening.

As for Freel I'd keep him until Bruce establishes himself.

Ron Madden · 12-23-2007, 07:10 PM

I'm in favor of holding onto Freel untill Bruce establishes himself.

If Bruce doesn't win the job in ST Freel will start in CF because of his speed and his salary.

Phhhl · 12-23-2007, 08:28 PM

That ship has sailed. The time to trade Freel was when every announcer coming through town lauded him as a freakish supersub experiment crossing Pete Rose and Chone Figgins, and he was on Baseball Tonight every evening during it's web gem segment. That's when Freel-mania might have actually netted something. Now that his buzz has settled back into the neighborhood of his actual value, he's probably going to serve us best doing the good job he does filling in when havoc strikes... if he can even make the cut.

12-23-2007, 01:26 PM	#1
Will M Brett William Moore Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Crescent Springs KY Posts: 3,511	What to do with Freel The way the team is currently set up we have these 13 position players: Votto, Hat, Phillips, Gonzo, EE, Keppinger, Griffey, Freel, Bruce, Hopper, Dunn, Ross & Valentin. Freel brings speed and versatility. However, the emergence of Hopper and Keppinger in 2007 make Freel superfluous. Here is what I would like to see before opening day: 1. The Reds get a right handed power bat for the bench. Someone who hits lefties well. ie Kevin Mench. 2. We see in spring training if Freel is healthy & we see if Bruce is ready to play in the bigs opening day. We also make sure we don't have any injuries to a starter before opening day. If all looks good then we trade Freel in spring training to a team who needs him. I suspect if he is healthy he could be traded because some team out there will have an injury to a 2nd baseman, 3rd baseman or outfielder in spring training & need a replacement. Thoughts? __________________ .

12-23-2007, 02:22 PM	#2
KronoRed The Lineups stink. Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: West N. Carolina Posts: 55,342	Re: What to do with Freel Trade him, his style of play and his age make me think he'll have more years like 07 then 06. __________________ Go Gators!

12-23-2007, 02:31 PM	#4
Highlifeman21 Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bristol, just around the corner from ESPN Posts: 8,694	Re: What to do with Freel One of Freel and Hopper will most likely start the 2008 as the Reds' starting CF, and that scares the crap out of me. I'm hoping that we can move one, if not both of them, to improve our CF stopgap until Bruce is ready. I don't see Freel and or Hopper getting traded for pitching that will help us, but maybe we can move them for another position player? Who knows? But right now, I don't like our options in CF before Bruce is ready.

12-23-2007, 04:13 PM	#5
RedsManRick Stat Wanker Hodiernus Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 14,917	Re: What to do with Freel I know Freel had a really rough 2007, but I think he might even be underrated in 2008. Yes, he needs to get the OBP up and relearn how to run the bases with more cautious aggression. However, Hopper is a guy who made the majors at 28 with a career minor leauge line of .289/.343/.335. He has virtually no power, don't forget that. 14/20 SB isn't exactly great added value. If he can continue to hit .320, he could remain a pretty valuable guy. But he's locked in to the OF and isn't exactly a stellar value. At his best, he's what Freel has been from 2004-2006 with less speed, less power, and less position flexibility. If you can trade Freel and get value in return, fine. But if I have to choose, Hopper goes back to AAA and Freel gets first crack at getting his job back as supersub. __________________ Games are won on run differential -- scoring more than your opponent. Runs are runs, scored or prevented they all count the same. Worry about scoring more and allowing fewer, not which positions contribute to which side of the equation or how "consistent" you are at your current level of performance.

12-23-2007, 04:22 PM	#6
Joseph Tired of talk. Win! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 8,122	Re: What to do with Freel I'll go out on a limb here and say Keppinger doesn't make the opening day roster in favor of Castro. If Castro isn't healthy, then maybe Kepp will. If thats indeed true, I say Freel stays to be the back up at 2B and 3B. __________________ Championships for MY teams in my lifetime: Cincinnati Reds - 75, 76, 90 Chicago Blackhawks - 10 University of Kentucky - 78, 96, 98, 12 Cincinnati Bengals - None Chicago Bulls - 91, 92, 93, 96, 97, 98

12-23-2007, 04:30 PM	#7
corkedbat Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Lexington Posts: 4,951	Re: What to do with Freel I try to trade him, but think his contract may make him tough to deal. If I can't move him, he's still versatile enough to keep around until he face plants into a wall somewhere. If the OPs 13-man list is right above and Bruce makes the club out of Spring Training, I would also like to see them add a right handed-bat and only keep one of Freel, Hopper and Dickerson (probably Freel because of his ability to help in the INF in an emergency. Do either Hopper or Dickerson have opitions left? I would expect to see on of them (or Freel) included in a lesser deal (or throw-in on a larger one) before the end of ST, if not sooner.

12-23-2007, 04:36 PM	#9
CaiGuy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Redsland Posts: 828	Re: What to do with Freel The team will probably have five bench spots next season. Scott and Javy are locks. Considering that they are limited to C/1B, the rest (3) of the spots must cover SS, 3rd, 2nd, and the OF. With Kepp and Hopper apperently making the roster, that gives the roster one IF and one OF. It would make sense, then, to give Freel the final spot considering that he is versitile enough to cover the IF and OF. If he gets on base anywhere near .370 again, he could be a very valuable utility guy. I think that Hopper has played some 2nd in the past (not sure), so he could see some infield time as well.

12-23-2007, 04:40 PM	#10
Aronchis Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 4,673	Re: What to do with Freel I can see Freel starting in CF. Jay Bruce doesn't have the range and he is a corner outfielder whether he likes it or not. Besides, having Bruce and Dunn out there together is flat scary. If they collided, GAB would blow up. Gotta keep those 2 bigmen seperated.

12-23-2007, 05:30 PM	#12
chicoruiz Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 1,663	Re: What to do with Freel Not sure the Reds will feel the need to have 12 pitchers on the roster at the start of the season. especially since carrying 11 would make room for the elusive RH bat. Unless they're serious about Valenzuela; then they might need 12 from the git-go. __________________ "In baseball, you don't know nothin'"...Yogi Berra

12-23-2007, 07:10 PM	#14
Ron Madden Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 5,815	Re: What to do with Freel I'm in favor of holding onto Freel untill Bruce establishes himself. If Bruce doesn't win the job in ST Freel will start in CF because of his speed and his salary.

12-23-2007, 08:28 PM	#15
Phhhl Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 3,890	Re: What to do with Freel That ship has sailed. The time to trade Freel was when every announcer coming through town lauded him as a freakish supersub experiment crossing Pete Rose and Chone Figgins, and he was on Baseball Tonight every evening during it's web gem segment. That's when Freel-mania might have actually netted something. Now that his buzz has settled back into the neighborhood of his actual value, he's probably going to serve us best doing the good job he does filling in when havoc strikes... if he can even make the cut.

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