Game 6 demon David Freese now an Angel

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim picked up another big name player this off season with the trade of Peter Bourjos and the one of their previously top ranked prospect Randal Grichuk to the St. Louis Cardinals for David Freese.

Oct 26, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese (23) reacts after flying out against the Boston Red Sox to end the fifth inning of game three of the MLB baseball World Series at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Before the 2011 World Series, David Freese was probably just an after thought for many Texas Rangers fans.  But, after game 6 of the World Series, every fan knows David Freese.  Just to remind fans, Freese was the difference maker in the bottom of the 9th inning when the Texas Rangers were one strike away from winning the World Series.  Freese delivered a game tying two-run triple.  And from there, Rangers fans know what happened.

Now, in 2014, Rangers fans can expect to see him play against the Texas Rangers about 19 games.  How will David Freese impact the lineup for the Angels?  In the 2013 season, Freese had a down year with a batting average of .262/.340/.381/.721 with 121 hits, 26 doubles, 1 triple, 9 home runs, and 60 RBIs.  Which is down from what he did in the prior when he hit .293/.372/.467/.839 and had 147 hits, 25 doubles, 1 triple, 20 home runs and 79 RBIs.

If Freese has a year more like 2012, which he should, the Angels should have a solid lineup.  But, as the past 2 years have show for the Angels, their recent acquisitions haven’t paid off.

The big signings of Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton haven’t had the impact they have wished.

For Texas Rangers fans, it is probably not the impact that David Freese will make for the Angels, but it will be the memory for game 6 returning to the ballpark.

When Freese comes to the plate the first time in Arlington, he will probably not get a warm welcome.  David Freese played very well the entire 2011 post season, and that fire he seemed to catch in the NLCS continued with the Texas Rangers and ultimately lead him to the World Series MVP.

Now with David Freese playing with the Angels, this just simply adds to the rivalry between the two teams.  Which, actually makes the game better.  It is enjoyable to watch two great teams playing each other, especially when there is emotional investment.

Rangers fans shouldn’t worry about Freese and the Angels big line up.   The Rangers have their own killer line up.  With the addition of Prince Fielder the Rangers will still be a top contender and will battle the Angels all season long.  We should all look forward to seeing David Freese at the ballpark and watch the Texas Rangers show him it isn’t that easy to win in Arlington.  I expect the Rangers to still win the season series again the Angels and finish ahead of them in the division.