Frazier fills multiple needs for Chicago White Sox
He brings a power bat. A solid glove.
He also brings the right mindset.
A third baseman for the Cincinnati Reds the past five seasons, Todd Frazier got to know the Cubs quite well while playing 38 games against the National League Central counterparts at Wrigley Field.
Acquired by the Chicago White Sox in a three-team trade in December, Frazier is very much aware that his new team enters the upcoming season with so-so expectations while the crosstown Cubs are overwhelming favorites to win the World Series.
Going back to his high school days in New Jersey, Frazier is used to being overlooked and actually embraces the underdog status.
"I used to play the Cubs a lot and I loved it over there (Wrigley)," Frazier said. "Now, we're coming to the South Side. It kind of reminds of home a little bit. I went to a high school that was the smaller of three big schools and it was Tom Rivers South, coincidentally. It brings up some good memories.
"Being on the smaller side of town, or whatever you call it, we've got to step it up. That's it. You've got to step your game up and focus just a little bit more. Just a little bit more."
With Frazier in the Sox' lineup - he'll hit behind Jose Abreu out of the cleanup spot - the offense is getting a needed boost.
Last season, the White Sox ranked near the bottom of the American League in just about every category, and they were dead last in runs scored and home runs.
Even though he admittedly tired out in the second half with the Reds in 2015, Frazier still finished fourth in the NL with 35 homers and 11th with 89 RBI.
Adjusting to the AL is Frazier's most pressing challenge. Adam LaRoche was not able to make the transition last season, and Adam Dunn also flopped with the Sox after spending his entire career in the NL.
The difference with Frazier? He is a third baseman and will stay involved in the game by being on the field. Dunn and LaRoche were NL first basemen who could not handle the shift to AL designated hitter.
"I think you need a little more playing time against the other league to get comfortable," Frazier said. "But if you're a hitter, you're a hitter. They still have to throw strikes and you've got to hit the ball. If you can do that, you'll be fine."
Last season, the White Sox got off to another slow start in April and needed the leadership Paul Konerko provided for 16 seasons. With Konerko enjoying the first year of retirement, the Sox never did find a clubhouse voice to take his place.
While he's still getting to know his new teammates and doesn't want to be pushy, Frazier has natural leadership qualities.
"It's good to see him in black and white," said general manager Rick Hahn, who traded Trayce Thompson, Frankie Montas and Micah Johnson to the Dodgers to get Frazier from the Reds. "He will fit in great in the clubhouse. High energy, enthusiastic guy who obviously is going to be a nice shot in the arm to the offense and will stabilize a difficult position to fill from a defensive standpoint.
"A lot of guys lead by example, by following the beat the coaching staff sets, and some guys become more proactive and make sure other guys are following suit as well. Certainly Todd and other guys we've had fit that mold."
Frazier played 157 games in each of the past two seasons, so he likes to be in the lineup. When he does need a breather, Tyler Saladino is a capable defender at third base.
• Fourth in a series analyzing each position on the roster.
Scot Gregor ranks the top American League third basemen:
1. Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays
2. Manny Machado, Orioles
3. Todd Frazier, WHITE SOX