Corey Noles, staff writer for The Daily Statesman and Editor of The North Stoddard Countian, is the author of a regular baseball/St. Louis Cardinals column and also uses his blog to sound off on various happenings in sports. He also operates a weekly baseball mailbag column.

David Freese comes back to life with 20-game hitting streak

Posted Wednesday, June 12, 2013, at 10:09 PM

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David Freese is viewed as more than a hero in the City of St. Louis.

His fun personality along with being a local talent who defied the odds makes him a definite fan favorite.

Of course, that doesn't even take into account that little thing he did in 2011. Remember that? (Hint: It ended with trophies and a Corvette.)

As a result, you can't walk through a shopping mall or Walmart in the State of Missouri and not see at least one T-shirt sporting a "23" on the back.

It's hard to believe Freese could fall from the fan's grace, but it almost happened early this season. Almost.

After struggling through a minor back injury during an abbreviated spring training and a brief DL stint to begin the season, Freese didn't look right from the start.

He looked uncomfortable at the plate and his numbers were showing it.

Monday, April 29 was the low point for David Freese's early season. The Cincinnati Reds were in town for a three game series to bridge April and May and Freese was struggling-bad.

On April 29, Freese went 0-for-4 for the fourth time in a row. The hole he was digging was deep and questions were beginning to swirl around about whether Freese was a flash in the pan or if he was a legitimate major leaguer.

Freese found himself benched for the final game against the division rival Reds as he watched a younger player with a hot bat make his benching an easy decision.

At that point, Freese was batting .163 with two doubles, eight hits, three RBI, six walks and 12 strikeouts.

Something had to change and during his two days off, it appears something clicked.

Freese returned and went 6-for-11 over the next three games and showed he still has it.

After hitting .163 in April, Freese turned it around and batted .299 with 12 RBI, two home runs, four doubles and a grand slam. They may not be Hall of Fame numbers, but that's a major step up.

Then on May 17, Freese began a 20 game hitting streak-the longest in MLB this year. That's a major turnaround for a guy who struggled all of the way through April. The streak ended Wednesday evening against the New York Mets, but it is still a significant turning point in Freese's season.

To be hitting .287 in mid-June with a .360 OBP is a solid jump.

In reality, April was nothing more than an extended spring training for Freese, so I wouldn't read too much into the month at this stage.

In fact, his May/June numbers have been far above average. Over the 32 games he's played during the period, Freese is batting .339/.405/.466 with three home runs, 17 RBI, 12 walks, 26 strikeouts, six doubles and 15 runs scored.

While he would have to get very hot to reach the numbers he normally puts up, the Cardinals should just be grateful that he finally came around.

To go from how he was playing to where he is now is just as valuable as picking up a free agent who bats .300.

So far, the Cardinals continue to beat the odds. When one player slumps, another steps up. When a player gets hurt, the replacement picks up the slack.

There's no way to say if the Cardinals will continue this pace, but one thing is for sure-this team is very good. They've been far better than anyone could have anticipated.

The Cardinals are beating the teams they should beat and they're even beating the ones who should be giving them trouble. What more can you ask for in baseball?

Corey Noles is a Cardinals Writer and Columnist for The Daily Statesman. Contact him at cnoles@dailystatesman.com or on Twitter @coreynoles.

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Predictions regarding how many years Freese has left in St. Louis?

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 3:21 AM
I think the Cardinals are going to trade for offense, not pitching at the deadline if they make a trade at all.

An upgrade at SS or CF is most likely, but I wouldn't rule Freese out as a player that might be moved in a trade.

I would almost guarantee the Reds will make a big trade at the deadline. A legendary GM like Jocketty wouldn't be a legend without yet another big move when his team has a chance to win at all again.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 3:25 AM
it all again.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 3:29 AM
Granted that new playoff system that adds the extra wild card spot makes it harder to make a big trade.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 3:30 AM
One has to wonder how someone could already be a legend but at the same time wouldn't be a legend without making a big move in the future.

First four posts look like a debate with Helen Keller.

-- Posted by Larry Doby on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 7:42 AM
how many legendary trades have worked out?

-- Posted by Thot McGee on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 9:32 AM
First lets breakdown the Dusty comments so everyone keeping score at home can make sure they have it all straight.

1) Dusty is indeed having a grand debate with himself over multiple comments( +10 points)

2) Dusty referred to Walt Jocketty as legendary GM Walt Jocketty( + 10 points)

3) Dusty has predicted a Cardinal trade at the deadline in order to win( + 10 points)

4) Dusty actually pointed out that the trade would be for a position player at one the clubs two weakest positions. Dusty also neglected to cast dispersions on young pitching(-20 points)

5) Dusty mistakenly claimed that Walt's current team has a chance to WIN IT ALL AGAIN despite this team never winning a playoff series( + 25 points)

Anyone who had Dusty at + 45 illogical and/or irrational comments scale for the day is in good shape to win but there is a chance Dusty could make more irrational or illogical comments before the day is up so you are in danger of busting that +45 number.

As always thanks for playing " What Will DW Say Next?" This has been your host Da Bunk signing off

-- Posted by Bunk on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 10:02 AM
Bunk, are you on Twitter?

-- Posted by Larry Doby on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 10:21 AM
I literally busted out laughing here at my office. People now think I am crazy lol. Thanks for the laughs Larry Doby.

-- Posted by Jolly Dump on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 10:24 AM
I'm actually a twitter less Bunk, but I'm strongly considering it so my friends and Sideline will stop pestering me about it

-- Posted by Bunk on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 10:34 AM
Unless something goes TERRIBLY wrong, I'm not sure I'd be too quick to attempt an upgrade at 3B, SS or CF like DW mentioned. This team has great chemistry and introducing variables is really risky. All three seem to be team players and definitely not divas. Freese has come around at the plate and plays solid defense. Kozma doesn't set the world on fire but has been very consistent offensively and defensively. Jay's defense is top notch and I would be very surprised if he does not end up between .280 and .300 given his career numbers prior to this year (over 1300 ABs). If it ain't broke yet...

-- Posted by Grussman on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 11:22 AM
Well the thing is Freese is an odd property at the moment. He is 30 years old and in the prime-ish portion of his career but given his injury history how long that lasts is open to many areas of speculation. Next is the fact that people like Freese( even greater extent like Albert) are the types who get way overpayed based on past production and hometown sentiments. Truth is the bottom could drop out on Freese's production at any moment and that only gets likelier the older he gets. Plus we have a much manageable bat financially and promising on field play wise in Carpenter who can play 3rd and we can control on the cheap. This would free up Kolten Wong at 2nd as he is about ready to break out of Memphis currently. If we can play Wong, Carpenter, and upgrade SS by parting with Freese is it worth it?

-- Posted by Bunk on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 11:39 AM
Kozma has been playing a good short and his bat isn't too bad.

-- Posted by Dexter Native on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 1:25 PM
Look nothing against Kozma he is average but we have a surplus and if can you improve you should improve. If the Oriloes call and say we will take Tyrell Jenkins and David Freese for JJ Hardy I'd do it in a nanosecond.

-- Posted by Bunk on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 2:59 PM
Bunk makes a valid point about Freese being an odd property.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 4:19 PM
I think the Cardinals may look to try to find Beltran's long-term replacement in the lineup at the trading deadline this year. I think the Cardinals should resign Beltran, but would be shocked if they do resign him. The long-term replace may be a SS or outfielder that can hit that they get in a trade. .

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 4:21 PM
Dexter Native makes a valid point about Kozma playing a good shortstop and his bat not being too bad. I personally like Kozma. But I do view it as one position the Cardinals could make an upgrade at.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 4:35 PM
sportsnerd to answer here are some of the trades the Cardinals have made over the years under Jocketty:

In 1996 Jocketty traded Steve Montgomer for Dennis Eckersley. In 1996 the Cardinals traded Bret Wagner, Jay Witasick, Carl Dale and Allen Battle Witasick for Todd Stottlemyre. In 1997 the Cardinals traded T.J. Matthews, Erick Ludwick and Blake Stein for Mark McGwire. In 1998 the Cardinals got Edgar Renteria in exchange for Pablo Ozuna, Armando Almanza and Braden Looper. In 1999 the Cardinals got Ricky Bottalico and Garrett Stephenson for Ron Gane, Jeff Brantley and Cliff Politte. In 1999 the Cardinals got Pat Hentgen for Lance Painter, Alberto Castillo and Matt Dewitt. In 1999 the Cardinals got Darryl Kile, Dave Veres and Lutheran Hackman for Jose Jimenez, Manny Aybar, Rick Croushore and Brent Butler. In 2000 the Cardinals got Fernando Vina for Juan Acevedo. In 2000 the Cardinals got Jim Edmonds for Adam Kennedy and Kent Bottenfield. In 2000 the Cardinals got Will Clark for Jose Leon. In 2001 the Cardinals got Woody Williams for Ray Lankford. In 2001 the Cardinals got Steve Kline and Dustin Hermanson for Fernando Tatis and Britt Reams. In 2002 the Cardinals got Scott Rolen and Doug Nickle for Placido Polanco, Bud Smith and Mike Timlin.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 5:16 PM
The Cardinals have Carlos Beltran's replacement sitting in the minor leagues in Oscar Taveras.

-- Posted by sideline starter on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 5:37 PM
Good point sideline but are we going to continue to play Jay in CF?

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 5:41 PM
There's no reason to not play Jay in center field. He's proven over the course of multiple seasons to be at the least slightly above average defensively and has a good enough bat. If Oscar looks good enough defensively, we can put him in center, move Craig to right, and put Matt Adams at first. If he isn't ready, he can start out in right, Jay in center, Craig at first, and Adams as the ready bat for his opportunities. Jay isn't expendable yet and he's more than good enough than to just be a trade chip. He's a quality player.

-- Posted by sideline starter on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 5:46 PM
Bunk: I admit your scenario with Freese as trade bait is interesting. I'd hate to see him go BUT if they could truly upgrade at SS and the player also be an equally good fit personality/chemistry-wise with the team then it'd be foolish to not consider. The good thing is I don't think Freese's contract is very huge or long term at this point, is it? So even if they couldn't trade him then they still may be looking at your scenario in 2-3 years at which point they could let his contract run out and not sign him...but who knows what variables will enter the picture b/t now and then.

-- Posted by Grussman on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 8:41 PM
I think Seth Maness is another player the Cardinals could look at moving for a veteran bullpen pitcher at the deadline.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 9:23 PM
DW Seth Maness is one of the best and cheapest bullpen options in the majors already.

Grussman Freese is currently on a 1 year deal which they agreed to avoid arbitration. I think that Freese has one more arbitration year left so we could go the one year avoidance, go to arbitration(yuck), or sign him to a long term deal that may not be favorable to us( double yuck). I don't wanna kick him out but the scenario that probably suits us best is a MCarp 3B, Wong 2B, Player X SS, Adams 1B, Craig RF, OT CF, Holiday LF, Molina C lineup next year.

Also DW I think Craig is Beltran's replacement and your boy Matt Adams should be the everyday 1B.

-- Posted by Bunk on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 10:29 PM
Bunk

I don't really think it is right Adams hasn't received more playing time this year. He seems ready.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Thu, Jun 13, 2013, at 10:40 PM
Is it possible Adams goes in a trade at the deadline?

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Fri, Jun 14, 2013, at 2:48 AM
No.

-- Posted by sideline starter on Fri, Jun 14, 2013, at 4:07 AM
Because he is blocked doesn't mean the organization doesn't still have big plans for him.

-- Posted by Bunk on Fri, Jun 14, 2013, at 8:21 AM
If the Cardinals signed Beltran to an extension in the middle of the year like they signed Westbrook last year would that increase the chances they might move Adams for a SS?

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Fri, Jun 14, 2013, at 1:27 PM
They aren't resigning Beltran. I guarntee that they give a QO at the end of the year for the potential draft pick

-- Posted by Bunk on Fri, Jun 14, 2013, at 2:26 PM
Yeah I agree about Beltran. They will propose a qualifying offer to get another 1st Round Pick.

The National League, as much as I don't want it to, will go ahead and adopt the DH position in the coming years. It is more and more evident that this will be case with inter-league play being a factor every single week now. Adams could fill that role.

-- Posted by Jolly Dump on Fri, Jun 14, 2013, at 3:57 PM
If the DH was imminent than I would sign Beltran and let him DH because his bat is perfectly viable it's just that his defense is starting decline rapidly and soon his offense won't even be worth having him in RF

-- Posted by Bunk on Fri, Jun 14, 2013, at 4:32 PM
It has come to my attention that Sideline Starter found my comment earlier to skew towards the notion that I'm not friends with him. Let it be known Balls and Strikes posters that he is in fact a close friend and you don't believe just check his Facebook

-- Posted by Bunk on Fri, Jun 14, 2013, at 9:15 PM
Bunk, I can see how he came to that conclusion. I am sure it has something to do with DWardesque sentence structure.

-- Posted by Larry Doby on Sat, Jun 15, 2013, at 8:22 AM
It's all good Larry I was just giving Sideline a hard time for bringing it up to me last night.

-- Posted by Bunk on Sat, Jun 15, 2013, at 1:10 PM
;)

-- Posted by Larry Doby on Sat, Jun 15, 2013, at 8:57 PM
The Cardinals should sign Beltran now.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Sat, Jun 15, 2013, at 11:30 PM
We haven't heard from Dale Doback lately, who predicted Miller's success before it ever happened.

Would you resign Beltran Doback?

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Sun, Jun 16, 2013, at 3:15 AM
Well after watching this god awful series against the AAA Marlins, Tyler Lyons obviously has been figured out my major league hitters. 3 straight losses and an ERA that is climbing.

-- Posted by Jolly Dump on Sun, Jun 16, 2013, at 2:33 PM
So I have figured out the secret to the Cardinals success at home. The secret is that Sideline and myself never attend these home games. Waino is an MVP in every start before this point but we come to one stinking game and he gives up 4 runs in the first.

-- Posted by Bunk on Tue, Jun 18, 2013, at 8:35 PM
If I am Johnny Mo, I make a public apology to the fans for resigning Westbrook. Then I feel very lucky for milking that last bit of good baseball out of Beltran and let him go. I move Craig to right, Adams to 1st, and Taveras to Center. Yea, the outfield's defense will be average at best, but I am getting my best bats in the lineup.

-- Posted by DaleDoback on Tue, Jun 18, 2013, at 9:45 PM
And I am getting the Secret Weapon to teach Wong how to play shortstop.

-- Posted by DaleDoback on Tue, Jun 18, 2013, at 9:46 PM

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