Former Phillies player Kevin Frandsen joined the Washington Nationals after being cut by the Phillies. Frandsen was "pissed" that the Phillies released him prior to the season. But it is now other Nationals players who might be "pissed" at Kevin Frandsen. Frandsen made some comments that have upset some of his teammates.
On a Washington, D.C. radio show called "Sports Junkies" on 106.7 FM, Frandsen was asked who the Nationals' best young player was. The answer most people would expect someone to answer that Bryce Harper would be.
Instead, Frandsen named the talented Anthony Rendon, but did so in a way that upset his teammates. The Washington Post transcribed Frandsen's interview:
“Rendon,” Frandsen said, not skipping a beat. “Without a doubt. He is as impressive as any young player; in all honesty, he’s the best young guy we have, by far. … I don’t think there’s anyone in the same sentence as him, as far as young guys, and he might be one of the best ones in the league.”
At this point, Eric Bickel and Jason Bishop interjected to ask if Frandsen was including Bryce Harper in his evaluation.
“Absolutely,” said Frandsen, who later said he agreed with Matt Williams’s decision to bench Harper for not hustling. “Tony, ah man, that is one of the coolest swings I’ve seen. And especially for, what is he, 23, 24 years old? To be that consistent, to stay inside the baseball as consistently as he can, and to have that much pop. I don’t know how much the outside knows, but he hits balls farther than most people on the team. But he is so good, as far as staying inside and staying within himself, that just impresses me.”
I must say: I agree with Frandsen. However, these are not remarks a teammate can make.
Teammates took this as a slight. Frandsen could have said, "we have so many talented young players, such as Jordan Zimmermann and Bryce Harper" and continued by singing Rendon's praise for the job he has done this season while Harper is out injured, and considering Rendon shifted to third base to fill in for Ryan Zimmerman.
Frandsen is getting his playing opportunities thanks to Harper's injury. Aside from two infield appearances, Frandsen has appeared in 11 of his 13 defensive games in left field.
Does Frandsen's point have validity? Yes, if he was writing for a blog or serving as a talk radio host. However, as a player, there are some things to avoid saying. Frandsen left a less than favorable impression on his teammates, who are struggling along despite lofty expectations.
