Cincinnati Reds Player Profile: Todd Frazier

CINCINNATI – Reds third baseman Todd Frazier, who carried a career-high 12-game hit streak into Wednesday, is always confident in his abilities. But as comfortable as he’s been at the plate lately, that confidence has ratcheted up a few more notches.

Frazier born in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, is a Cincinnati fan favorite, and reminds me of a beloved former red in Sean Casey, both are nice and have great personalities.

In 2012, Frazier won the MLB Players choice award for being the National League most outstanding rookie. He was a shortstop in college, and was converted to outfield in 2009. Frazier played third base and left field for the Reds in 2011. Right now, he’s the starting third baseman, and has improved greatly in that position.

Frazier played for Tom’s River, New Jersey team that won the 1998 Little League World Series, in the final game, he hit a homer and went 4-4.

He was drafted #34 overall by the Reds in 2007 MLB Draft.

May 11, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier (21) hits a solo home run off Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Juan Nicasio during the fourth inning at Great American Ball Park. Rockies catcher Michael McKenry watches at right. The Reds won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

“It’s nice to know when you’re up there, the pressure is on the pitcher,” said Frazier, who was 14-for-46 (.304) with three home runs and 11 RBIs during the 12 games. “You’re not worried about a thing.”

Frazier, who has hit safely in 17 of his previous 19 games to raise his overall average from .210 to .265, has made small adjustments while working with new hitting coach Don Long and assistant hitting coach Lee Tinsley.

“They look at my film but don’t get too real in-depth with me,” Frazier said. “If they see something little, they help me out with that. Everything is nice and slow. I’ve been seeing a lot of pitches. I rarely do that. My Dad [Charles] was like ‘You look so comfortable up there. I’ve never seen you take so many pitches in my life. I’m kind of getting frustrated that you’re taking these pitches down the plate.’ I say ‘Dad, it’s not the pitch that I’m looking for.’ These New Jersey people get a little hasty sometimes. They understand now that I’m working on something and that it feels pretty good up there.”

Frazier’s hot stretch is coming at a time when the Reds’ offense has lacked consistency, especially with injuries affecting the lineup.

“We were all optimistic and very much in the belief that Todd Frazier is an even better player than we’ve seen his first couple of years in the Major Leagues,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “He’s hitting for a higher average. He’s more of a damage guy with his extra base hits, driving in more runs, we’ve seen him stealing more bases, playing great defense and bringing the energy every day. It’s not a surprise but it’s certainly a welcome stretch for all of us.”