QUESTION: Assuming a full season of health, what kind of offensive numbers do you think David Freese could put up in 2012?

JOE STRAUSS

Freese has never played 100 games in a major league season. His per at-bat production has been outsanding as he has averaged an RBI every 6.1 AB’s of a career spanning 184 games. Health and defense will dictate how much time he gets this year. (TLR lifted him in late innings in 20 of his last 24 starts in 2011.) His 162-game average projects to 13 home runs and 86 RBI but it’s fair to say those numbers have been affected by lower-half injuries. Freese will still receive occasional down time but it’s likely he could achieve 15-18 HR’s and 90 RBI if given 550 AB’s, which equates to about 130 starts.

RICK HUMMEL

First, assuming a full season of health is kind of a risky venture, inasmuch as Freese hasn’t had one as a big leaguer. But, if he can play 130 or so games, he should be good for 17 to 20 homers and 75 to 80 runs batted in, depending how deep he hits in the lineup.

JEFF GORDON

With 500-plus at bats, Freese ought to be a solid .285 hitter with 20 homers and 85 RBIs. As a full-time player, his batting average might suffer a bit from the wear and tear – his career mark is .298 – but the opportunity to build extended hot streaks should allow him to boost his homer/AB ratio.