David Freese Gets a Homecoming

It will be a homecoming for new St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese as he graduated from Lafayette High School in suburban St. Louis. Freese was a ninth round selection during the 2006 draft by the San Diego Padres out of the University of South Alabama.

Scouts love his above-average power, bat speed, and strike zone judgment. Coming out of college, scouts were mixed on his ability to stay at third base but with a superb work ethic, he has proven his ability to play the position.

In 2007, Freese played at high Class A Lake Elsinore hitting .302/.400/.489 with 17 home runs and 96 RBIs. Great numbers, but Freese was a 24-year-old in the hitter-friendly California League. The 6-foot-2 Freese was named a California League Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star.

In his professional debut in 2006, Freese hit .317/.395/.465 in 262 at bats over two levels.

In his final year at South Alabama, the fifth-year senior hit .414/.503/.661 with 12 home runs and 73 RBIs. The Jaguars made it into the NCAA playoffs and Freese was named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year.

Freese seemed to be the odd man out with major leaguer Kevin Kouzmanoff and blue chip prospect Chase Headley blocking him in the Padres’ system.

Original article source: http://padres.scout.com/a.z?s=315&p=2&c=711557