Looks like David Freese will earn 3B – GO BLUES!
By Chris Clark
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David Freese
The Cardinals will begin discussions on what the final roster will look like this week as LaRussa and the coaching staff, along with Mo and his staff “exchange ideas,” according to the latest Rick Hummel story on STLToday.com. A great side note is Tony’s response to Hummel on whether or not Red (Schoendienst) participates ” “Hell, yeah,” La Russa said. “If (Schoendienst) doesn’t come, we don’t have it.”
News from one of the morning meetings is that Mather now projects as an outfielder, so I would say it’s safe to assume that Freese has earned the 3B gig for now. I’m excited for Freese (hometown kid) and can’t wait to see what he does at the major league level. They pushed him last year and the results were impressive.
One wonders if karma is playing here a little…everyone loves Wallace’s bat, but question his ability to man 3B and suggest he’d be a better fit in the outfield down the road. If Freese shoots out of the gate, hits and plays above average defense, the Cardinals will have to take a serious look at moving Wallace now and reaping the rewards of two legit bats at very reasonable prices for the next several years. Enough to make resigning Pujols a reality? We will have to see…
Cross check…
On a side note, I have to give props to the Blues for their outstanding play of late. The games have playoff intensity to them and it’s just awesome watching the youngsters go nuts on the ice (OSHIE!). Outstanding play from the veterans is also making a difference on what is finally becoming the new vision of the Blues. I’ve been watching the games through some tough times, but I haven’t been as excited to watch Blues hockey as I’ve been over the past several weeks. Kudos to Blues management for sticking to their plan and the coaching staff for having the patience with the kids.
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About the Author: I'm a life long Cardinal fan who sometimes takes fantasy baseball a little too seriously. I'm proud to have been there for number 62 and was able to see the 2006 series winner in person. I currently direct the online search engine marketing and PR SEO strategy execution for an Interactive public affairs firm.
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Having exchanged emails and met David, I am very excited for him. He is a class act who is deserving of this opportunity. It has to be really awesome to make your big league debut with your hometown team.
I hope Mather keeps his head up and doesn’t let his struggles this spring affect him too much. I have to wonder how much of the position switch led to his horrendous offensive production.
I think Mather will be just fine, I think there’s more there than just a 4th OF. Do you think Freese could push Wallace into the OF?
Clark
From the Cardinals’ perspective, the only person that moves Wallace off of third is Wallace. They are going to leave him at third until he proves he can’t play it.
That being said, I think that Freese is a guy that could be a solid big league regular. His defense is above average and he provides good pop at the plate. What he is going to have to do is make consistent contact. Freese struck out 111 times in 464 at bats last season at Memphis.