Ryan Freel is the Reds’ hyperkinetic utility man, playing anywhere and everywhere and routinely changing positions during the course of a single game. Freel became a staple for the injury-ridden Reds in 2004 by bouncing among second base, shortstop, third base, and the outfield. Freel is the emergency backup catcher and would certainly take the mound if the need presented itself.

Wherever he’s playing, Freel has a reckless disregard for his own safely and will fling himself into walls, stands, the ground, other players, or anything else that stands between him and the ball. He has broken the arm of one fan and the nose of another, and a near-collision with Barry Larkin resulted in aggravation of an existing injury for the veteran shortstop.

But mostly if anyone gets hurt, it’s going to be Freel. He’s had bruises, fractures, strains, tears, you-name-it, but he always seems to bounce back quickly. Freel is a frequent Web Gem Nominee because his defensive plays often appear to be, if not impossible, at least highly improbable.

Though you never know where you might see him defending, you can count on seeing Freel batting first in the line-up because he gets on base. Once he’s there, Freel is a base-stealing threat. With all the Cincinnati heavy hitters, it would be easy to get accustomed to watching the guys jog instead of run and forget to pay attention to the baserunners. If this describes you, you’ll find that watching Freel will expand your skills as a spectator.

Freel tends to be very streaky at the plate, especially when he doesn’t have frequent days off. He’s a hard man to take out of the line-up, though, because the team definitely misses his contribution when he’s not there.

Freel signed a two-year contract in December 2005 for $3 million plus incentives.