Reds re-sign Freel

[Whur CHad At?]

via cincinnatireds.com

Freel signs two-year deal with Reds

Utilityman batted .271 with three HRs and 21 RBIs in 103 games

By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

Ryan Freel joined the Reds organization in 2003 but didn't enjoy his breakout season until '04.

It's the life of a Major League utility guy. Whether he's playing second base, third base or the outfield for the Reds, Ryan Freel only knows that he won't know where he'll be playing every day, or even every inning.

But Freel will appreciate playing any and all of those positions while working under the security of a two-year contract he signed with Cincinnati on Monday.

Terms of the contract, which runs through the 2007 season, were not immediately revealed. Freel earned $405,000 in 2005 but should receive a sizeable spike in salary.

"It hasn't really sunk in," Freel said from his home in Jacksonville, Fla. "It doesn't seem real right now."

Freel, who avoided first-time arbitration by signing, batted .271 with three home runs and 21 RBIs in 103 games this past season. His 36 stolen bases ranked him fifth in the National League, but he also missed 39 games with two stints on the disabled list because of a toe injury and torn right knee cartilage that required arthroscopic surgery.

"He is arguably one of the best leadoff hitters on our team," Reds general manager Dan O'Brien said. "He brings the speed/stolen base component. The other key is he is extraordinarily versatile with the number of positions he can play."

Negotiations between the club and Freel's agent, Tommy Tanzer, began a couple of weeks ago and were originally for a potential one-year contract.

"The talks sort of evolved to a two-year contract," O'Brien said. "Both parties are happy with the arrangement. It's beneficial for both Ryan and the ballclub."

With the re-signing of veteran second baseman Rich Aurilia not assured, it appeared for a time that Freel would have his best shot at landing an everyday role. Then the Reds acquired veteran infielder Tony Womack in a Dec. 8 trade with the Yankees. Manager Jerry Narron has said this winter he prefers the flexibility of keeping Freel in his utility spot, but that Womack could move around too.

No problem, according to Freel.

"I've been a utility guy for three years and when I'm healthy, I'm out there pretty much all the time," said Freel, who played in a career-high 143 games in 2004. "I'll get my fair share of at-bats and playing time. I took trading for Tony as a good thing. He'll bring a lot to the table."

"Jerry will use all 25 people he has on a regular basis," O'Brien said. "He moves people all over the field. He's not afraid to use everybody on the roster."

The 30-year-old spent several seasons bouncing around the Minor Leagues in the Blue Jays system after becoming a 10th-round draft pick in 1995. He got a small taste of the Majors in 2001 with Toronto but didn't stick. Freel joined the Reds organization in 2003 before a breakout season in 2004, when he batted .277 with 37 steals while earning his reputation as a hard-nosed and hustling player.

"It feels overwhelming, considering all the stuff I went through as far as trying to get up here," Freel said.

[bengalindian]

Good for them. Freel becomes my new favorite player after Casey left.

[Stripes]

Freel becomes my new favorite player after Casey left.

Agreed. He better get the majority of the playing time out there, I don't want Tony Womack to be in there robbing Freel of what he deserves.