Why David Freese Should Get Paid

The St. Louis Cardinals and David Freesemay very well be headed to arbitration. He is asking for $3.75 million a year and the Cards are offering $2.4 million. He was paid $508,000 last season. His stats were as follows in 144 games: .293 batting average, .372 on base percentage,

Oct 18, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese (23) takes batting practice before game four of the 2012 NLCS at against the San Francisco Giants Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

.467 slugging percentage,  25 doubles, 20 home runs, 79 runs batted in, and a .949 fielding percentage.

He may not be considered in the same company as some of the other elite third basemen in the league but, he’s on his way. If he stays healthy, it’s just a matter of time before he’s a perennial all-star. He’s a fan favorite and a clutch performer.

So, the Cardinals should pay their starting third baseman. They don’t have to break the bank. In fact, I propose, they give him a 3-5 year contract at $3 million /year with incentives. The point is also, to lock up Freese so they aren’t faced with the dilemma they faced with Albert Pujols.  Good third basemen aren’t that easy to come by so, the Cardinals would do well to keep him a Cardinal for the foreseeable future.

I know my blog this weekend is short and to the point but, not much else needs to be said. Keep Freese, sign him to a reasonable contract and avoid arbitration. ‘nuff said.

Thanks for reading.