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2007 Freel`s a good example of the difference between an athletic player who can actually handle a variety of positions and your more standard-issue ex-second baseman who plays elsewhere to survive. Unlike a lot of minor league journeymen who wind up in a major league utility role, Freel`s a good outfielder as well as a decent enough second or third baseman, he gets on base regularly, and runs well when he does. Floating between four or five spots around the lineup, his real position is utility leadoff man. 2006 After hustling his way into regular status in 2004, Freel was jobbed twice in the offseason. First, the Reds inexplicably traded for Tony Womack, then they re-signed the obstreperous Rich Aurilia. With good range and hands in the outfield and the ability to play center as well as second and third, Freel will likely be the Reds supersub until they come to their senses. A good runner who makes the most of his speed, Freel is too aggressive on the basepaths. In stealing bases, he`d be better off picking his spots a little less frequently. 2005 You'd expect a light-hitting backup who'd never started more than a few games at a time to get exposed when thrust into prolonged regular duty. Not so for Freel, who nearly doubled his walk rate while showing a decent glove and good speed in soaking up playing lost by Brandon Larson, Ken Griffey Jr. and Austin Kearns. With Joe Randa in the fold, Freel will go back to utility duty; this team will have better depth than it's had in a while. 2001 Ryan Freel is an ex-prospect who has made himself into a good utility player. He can hit for average, take walks, and he runs very well. Freel handled five positions in the minors last season, and a guy who can play anywhere gives a team advantages both in-game and in-season. He deserves a clean shot at a job. 2000 Freel was on his way to a September call-up when he injured his rotator cuff in May. He doesn’t do any one thing very well; what he does is play both the infield and the outfield, get on base and run a little. Assuming he’s healthy in March, he’s the player with whom the Jays should fill Jacob Brumfield’s roster spot. 1999 Working towards becoming a super-sub, Freel is already known for his diving, athletic play in the field. Between his ability to get on base and his roving from position to position, he's looking like the new Lance Blankenship. Like Blankenship, he's best suited to play second base or the outfield. Like Blankenship, he can be a very handy guy to have around. 1998 Freel was fantastic in his second year at Dunedin, scorching the league with a terrific walk rate and OBP. Bumped to Knoxville at midseason, he didn’t hit at all. As with Evans, Freel is a player whose plate discipline may make him a better bet than a comparable player without that skill. His defense is suspect. At the least, he could be a very good bench player.
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