Frazier's mind is focused on baseball, Redsfest
Third baseman not worried about his own contract situation
CINCINNATI -- Redsfest is often a time when both fans and players get back into thinking and talking about baseball for the first time during the offseason. That isn't the case for Reds third baseman Todd Frazier, who found himself watching video of his hitting while at home in New Jersey.
"I saw the home runs I hit last year. Why not look at that stuff and get excited?" Frazier said. "I'm getting the itch a little bit. I watched some old timers on MLB Network the other day hitting home runs. It's exciting. It's something you always dream of, playing baseball."
Frazier, 28, could be poised for a chance to be a Reds player for the long term, in what is a pivotal winter. He is arbitration eligible for the first time since breaking into the Major Leagues in 2011.
There have been no talks yet about a contract for Frazier. But a good baseline for where things might be headed came from Seattle this week, when the Mariners signed third baseman Kyle Seager to a seven-year, $100 million contract.
Seager, who turned 27 last month, also broke into the Majors in 2011. Last season, he posted a slash line of .268/.334/.454, with 25 home runs and 96 RBIs in 159 games. Lifetime, he's batting .262/.328/.429, with 70 homers and 264 RBIs.
Frazier has very similar numbers. He batted .273/.336/.459, with 25 homers and 80 RBIs in 2014. His slash line is .258/.325/.451 for his career, with 73 homers and 235 RBIs.
"I'm aware of it, of course," Frazier said when asked about Seager's deal. "Right now, I'm just worried about Redsfest. I've seen it. It's pretty cool. I'm aware of it. I'm just trying to help out the Reds and the community. That's all I can do, right now."
Frazier did his part, mingling with fans and signing autographs on Saturday. He spent time in a special room visiting kids battling cancer. Later, on the main stage, he teamed with Skip Schumaker to play a special edition of Reds Family Feud.
Meanwhile, Frazier is leaving the heavy lifting for a new contract to his representatives at CAA Sports.
"Hopefully, things work out," he said.