Fans of MLB Network know that they have been subjecting players to “The Shredder” for statistical analysis to determine the top ten players at each position right now.
In an episode of the show, hosted by Brian Kenny, that will air Friday night, i70baseball has learned from an MLB Network executive that St. Louis Cardinal David Freese will indeed be featured as one of the top 10 thirdbaseman in baseball.
Photo Courtesy of/Copyright Erika Lynn
The “Top Ten Right Now” series is enjoying it’s third incarnation and will feature a Cardinal third baseman for the first time when Freese’s name is revealed. Sabermetric Godfather Bill James and former Oriole second baseman Bill Ripken will be on hand with Kenny to help analyze The Shredder’s results and provide their own lists for comparison.
Bill James:
“The only thing you like about him really is the bat. He [has] a terrific bat, quick bat, hits the ball hard [to] straightaway center. He’s not a defensive wonder, he’s not a base stealer, but he does hit.”
Freese has garnered some attention since his now famous heroics in the 2011 Post Season. However, it was 2012 that helped solidify that Freese could be seen as a consistent contributor to the Cardinals roster. A player that has battled injuries for most of his career, Freese was able to take the field for 144 games last season and show solid production while he was at it.
Bill Ripken:
“When King Albert left and went out to Los Angeles to play with the Angels, here’s one of the guys that picked up the slack.”
He would reach career highs in almost every offensive category, posting a .293/.372/.467 “slash line” while hitting 20 home runs and driving in 79. He was a spark plug at times for the 2012 team and added much needed depth in the lower part of the lineup. He would achie his first appearance in the midsummer classic after being voted in as the final roster spot by fans on the heels of a very successful social media campaign for the position.
Brian Kenny:
“Freese has established himself now as a solid contributor to the Cardinals.”“He’s a player who isn’t great at any one thing, but is above average everywhere and that makes you an excellent player.”
“Last year, [he had] 20 homers, .293 batting average, 57 walks. Just enough power, average and plate selection to add up to sixth in OPS among qualifying third basemen last year.”
Freese’s future looks bright for the team and the team is currently in negotiations with the home town hero to avoid arbitration and possibly secure him to a long term deal.
The show will air at 8pm Central Time on MLB Network, Friday February 8th.
Bill Ivie is the editor here at I-70 Baseball
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