Todd Frazier bracing himself for manning third base – MLB News
Cincinnati Reds' Todd Frazier has expressed his hope he would be a good replacement for third baseman Scott Rolen if and when the team decides to fill third base. Scott Rolen has remained a regular fixture for the Reds at the third base.
However, Frazier had a thoroughly successful season this year, finishing third in the National League Rookie of the Year. That scintillating performance has placed him in the higher echelons of the Reds when it comes to the infield.
Frazier, for all the right reasons, is all prepared to embrace this role given the talent he possesses and the consistency exhibited this past season.
"I hope so. I would like that. I want that," Frazier said. "There's nothing more that I do want. I want to help this team. I want to have that starting role and try to lead again and bring all of that energy that I do."
For a young player whose credentials have become quite known by now, there is small surprise why Frazier seems almost frenetically eager to get third base. He would otherwise face stiff competition if there were more candidates for it.
Nonetheless, the fact that there have been talks of Scott Rolen weighing the option of retirement make it more likely that Frazier be named as third baseman.
Frazier does not hide his intention and excitement.
"The bottom line is I'm going into Spring Training with my mind knowing I've got a position," Frazier said. "That's the comfort level I'm talking about -- being positive and understanding, 'You are the best at what you do.' I will just keep grinding and keep having fun."
The 26-year-old player hit .273 in his 128 appearances this past season, smashing 19 home-runs coupled with 67 RBIs. In the absence of Rolen and All-Star Joey Votto – both of whom were out of lineup due to respective injuries, he proved a worthy replacement.
Nonetheless, until the commencement of the coming season, one has to wait to see what the Reds eventually decide.
Tags: