Kevin Vincent Frandsen
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Height: 6' 0", Weight: 175 lb.
Born: May 24, 1982 in San Jose, California, US
Drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 12th round of the 2004 MLB June Amateur Draft.
The Padres have signed utility infielder Kevin Frandsen, who according to ESPN, will make $575,000 if he makes the opening day roster.
Like
Jerry Hairston Jr, he is very versatile. Games played per position: 2B-322, SS-154, 3B-93, 1b-23, LF-11, RF-3
Last year with the LA Angels, Frandsen batted (.250 .294 .319) in 160 Ab's with 11 2B, 14 RBI with only 10 K's and 2 SB without being caught. With their AAA affiliate, he batted, (271 .350 .387) with 3 HR's, 1 triple, 12 doubles and 16 RBI in 199 Ab's. However, the year before with the San Francisco AAA affiliate, he hit an impressive, (295 .352 .438) with 18 doubles, two triples and 13 HR's, with 55 RBI's, while only striking out 34 times in 427 Ab's.
In six seasons in the minors he has posted a (312 .376 .444) line. in 2007, on the big league level, had the biggest sample size of his MLB career, playing in 109 games, batting (.269 .331 .379) in 264 Ab's he had 12 doubles, 1 triple and five HR's with 31 RBI, while only striking out 24 times. His career MLB line, batting (.243 .302 .335) may be a little skewed because of the small sample sizes as a back up in other campaigns. He was used as a pinch hitter and has not been an everyday player yet. Career with runners on base, (.261 .323 .346) RISP, (.250 .313 .320), RISP with 2 outs, (.245 .333 .340) and an impressive line with the bases loaded, (333 .313 .500). However, it should be noted that with the bases loaded, he only had 12 Ab's.
If you are wondering if he would get more Ab's to spell Chase Headley, I would first look at his lefty Vs righty splits. Career Vs left handed pitchers he batted, (.226 .268 .321). Career Vs right handed pitchers, (.262 .307 .318). Of course, he had 54 more Ab's against right handed pitchers understandably.
With Orlando Hudon and Jason Bartlett up the middle respectively, I would say the Padres are very unlikely to bring back Jerry Hairston now with the signing of Frandsen. Jerry may have been unlikely before they reached an agreement with Kevin. While the Padres will still look for middle infield help that could provide better defensive protection at short stop primarily, (given Frandsen's limited SS experience) I would still imagine with Frandsen, Gregorio Petit and Everth Cabrera, the Padres are much more comfortable going into the season. I believe Frandsen is a very solid cheap pick up that will compete for a bench role in Spring Training.
I look at him (Kevin Frandsen) as the Chris Denorfia like signing of this year of the middle infield variety. A very low risk with potential high reward that is capable of manning 3rd, SS and 2nd baring any significant injuries to the current starters. He has, (according to fangraphs) UZR/150 been below average at third base, (-9.4) in 2010 in 59 plays. at short stop, (-21.2) total, while not logging any innings at short last year. Noting in 2009, his last innings logged at short, he improved from, (-23.1) to (-4.7). However, he had 30 plays in 2008, Vs 12 in 09. At second base, (his best position) he has a UZR/150 total of (6.9) in a 143 plays. As aforementioned, he can also play first base, and the corner outfield spots respectively.
