Chicago White Sox slugger Frazier has plenty of room to improve
Last December, the Chicago White Sox parted with three of their top young prospects to get Todd Frazier in a trade.
In desperate need of a power-hitting run producer to fill a longtime hole at third base, the Sox were more than willing to send outfielder Trayce Thompson, relief pitcher Frankie Montas and second baseman Micah Johnson to the Los Angeles Dodgers while getting Frazier from the Cincinnati Reds in the three-way deal.
With just more than two weeks left in another season to forget for the White Sox, Frazier hasn't completely lived up to expectations.
"Every year since I've been playing, I've exceeded my home runs, I've exceeded my RBIs," Frazier said. "I'll take that every day of the week, a sign of getting better. The power numbers have always been there and have always been better each year, which I'm really proud of.
"But there are other things I really need to work on."
On Monday, Frazier established a career high with his 36th home run of the season. The next night he drove in 2 runs to set a career high with 90 RBI.
"I think when you look at Fraz, you see a lot of different things that he can do," Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "People are going to look at the average and he knows that should get up. But beyond that you're looking at a guy that drives in runs, hits homers.
"I think even defensively and his personality, what he brings in total, he's just a very aware baseball player."
Frazier entered Wednesday night's game against Cleveland with a .215/.297/.450 hitting line. The 30-year-old infielder was tied for 10th in the American League with 145 strikeouts.
Striking out with runners in scoring position has been an even bigger problem for the New Jersey native. In 127 at-bats with runners in scoring position, Frazier's batting a woeful .165 with 42 strikeouts.
"I would say I'm a home run hitter," Frazier said. "I would like to be a hitter and a home run hitter, too. Those are the things I need to work on a little bit. I'm showing a little more here at the end of the year. But after this year I have to focus on little stuff, get the guy over. Singles always work, too."
As for bringing needed leadership to the White Sox's clubhouse, Frazier has been a huge addition.
"He's into everything," Ventura said. "He's not a guy that spends a lot of time in the clubhouse in between (innings). He's always out here, and I think that's an important thing for a guy that is a leader. And he is a leader."