Major League Baseball

Low batting average or not, Freese's offense appreciated by Angels

Published Jun. 3, 2015 1:54 p.m. ET

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Entering play on Wednesday, David Freese is hitting just .237/.288/.428 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs for the Los Angeles Angels this season.

Contrary to how such a sluggish slash line might be received by other clubs, though, the Halos are happy with what they're seeing from their third baseman. 

You see, the club's appreciation for his offense comes from the intangibles associated with his stats, not just the bottom line. Manager Mike Scioscia explained it to Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register like this: “His batting average is not reflective at all of how he’s hitting the ball,” Scioscia said. “He’s having a lot of hard outs and he’s gotten some big hits for us.”

He has already clubbed nine home runs in 2015, just one shy of his ENTIRE output from a year ago. He attributes the power surge to his legs, telling Fletcher that, "My legs feel good. They feel as good as they’ve felt in a long time. You need your legs to hit. I think it’s shown a little bit.”

Freese also told Fletcher a dietary focus has helped him feel better on an overall level: "I feel good. Hopefully it shows. I think I’m running down the line a lot better. Running the bases more aggressively. I am excited where I’m at."

With the Angels scrounging for some semblance of the high-flying offense they ought to have (considering the lumber in their lineup), Freese's contributions aren't going unnoticed. 

(h/t OC Register)

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