With baseball season now underway, I’ve decided to whip up another MLB special. This won’t be your usual baseball special either. I won’t be talking about any superstars, won’t be talking about individual teams, and also won’t be giving my two cents on why certain players are starting off slow in 2014. Instead, I will be giving baseball fans insight on “low key studs.” These studs are certain players that have been catching my attention for the past 2-3 years. They also aren’t on the radar of your typical baseball fans. I will be talking about one low key stud for each division. So, I advise that everyone keep their eyes and ears open on these players because they will be household names some time in the future. This is part III of the special. If you missed part I, please CLICK HERE, or part II CLICK HERE.
Stud Watch: NL Central
Todd Frazier, 3rd Base, Cincinnati Reds
Todd Frazier is the starting third baseman for the Cincinnati Reds. He played his college ball at the University of Rutgers. In 2007 Frazier started all 63 games while he batted a whooping .377, had a .502 OBP, and slugged for a great .757. He blasted 22 home runs and collected 63 RBIs during his 2007 season. With those type of numbers he was honored Big East Player of the year and was named a Rivals.com All-American. For his amazing 2007 season at Rutgers the Cincinnati Reds drafted Todd Frazier 34th overall in the 2007 MLB Draft. Since being called up to the majors Frazier has played CF, LF, 3rd, and 1st. Being able to play multiple positions earned him the right to receive a regular amount of playing time and he has thrived since becoming the everyday 3rd baseman.
Strengths
- Great Power
- Plays multiple positions
- Plays great defense
Frazier has always had great power throughout his career. He has yet to top 19 homers but in a lineup full of power hitters, he is not needed to hit for power every at bat. Instead, he bats 6th in the lineup and is asked to drive runs in and he does a great job of that with his power to the gaps. Frazier doesn’t use much effort to blast his home runs either, rather he has a very fluid swing where the ball jumps off of. Take a look for yourself as he blasts this ball over the centerfield fence (Click Here). Frazier is also great on defense. He is able to play multiple positions but became the everyday third baseman two years ago. When playing third he isn’t afraid to give up his body to help his pitcher out by collecting an out.
Weakness
- Batting average
- On-base percentage needs to improve
Frazier is as solid as they come when it comes to young players in the league but he still has some flaws in his game. One big flaw he does have is his OBP. It isn’t as pretty as it should be but he is able to get passed that and still produce great numbers. It is as low as it is because he is very aggressive at the plate. He isn’t big on taking walks and puts the ball into play a lot but hits them right at the defenders. His OBP will only improve as he plays more seasons in the MLB. Frazier will learn how read pitches, learn how to take more walks, and learn how to hit mistakes pitchers throw at him. When his OBP improves so will his batting average. They pretty much go hand in hand.
Overall
Todd Frazier is as complete as they come when it comes to third basemen in the National League. He is able to hit for great power, he is able to play multiple positions, he gives it 110% when he plays defense, and he has a silky smooth swing. Only downfall for Frazier is his OBP and batting average, but once his batting average improves so will his OBP. It won’t take him long to improve his numbers because of the great veteran hitters he has hitting in front of him in the Reds lineup. He will learn how to be less aggressive at the plate, read pitches better off the pitcher’s hand, and learn to take more bases-on balls. Todd Frazier will never be a household name or may not be selected to many All-Star Games but the Reds organization and fans love him as player and will enjoy seeing his name in the lineup for plenty of years to come.