Ryan Freel is accepting of his position with the Orioles. But the club needs to keep winning, or the utility man might become a distraction in the clubhouse.
Freel, acquired from Cincinnati in December, met with club president Andy MacPhail before Wednesday's series finale in Texas to discuss his role. The right-handed hitting infielder/outfielder told The Sun: "I'm a very impatient person. I'm bouncing off the walls. I have blisters on my hands from hitting every inning. It's hard, but we're winning. That's the beauty of it right now. It's about the Baltimore Orioles and not Ryan Freel. But of course you think about your situation, too, and where you stand and where you'll stand after this year."
Freel started in left field Friday, and went 0-for-2 with two walks. Batting .091, he's stuck in platoon with Luke Scott and Felix Pie.
He told The Sun his meeting with MacPhail wasn't established to "gripe" about his role, but had to do with playing time.
Freel played in 48 games last year and 75 in 2007 as a versatile member of the Reds, battling injuries in both seasons. He'll be a free agent at the end of 2009.
Manager Dave Trembley, who suggested he started Freel Friday because he was 8-for-19 in his career against Boston starter Brad Penny, saw Freel's eagerness as a positive.
"The guy is a gamer," Trembley said. "He wants to play, wants to contribute. I take that as a plus."
RED SOX 10, ORIOLES 8: Boston overcame a seven-run deficit, and the bullpen threw six shutout innings to open the series with a win. It was the Orioles' first loss in a series-opener this year.
