Levine: Todd Frazier Could Be Key To Better Season For White Sox

By Bruce Levine

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The 2016 White Sox could be a factor if new third baseman Todd Frazier has his usual above-average big league season.

Frazier entered a new clubhouse with new teammates this spring and came out a leader six weeks later.

"We have veteran guys like Todd, who have been around a little bit," manager Robin Ventura said before the team's home opening 7-1 loss to the Indians on Friday. "They have different experiences having been on different teams. Talent level-wise, it's just a different group."

Traded from Cincinnati to Chicago for three players in a three-team deal in the offseason, Frazier was a consistent home run and RBI man in for the Reds before they decided to dump him and build toward the future. Frazier has two years left under contract before becoming a free agent. That fits in perfectly with the White Sox's quest to win a World Series now with the current group.

"He is a very solid third baseman," Ventura said. "He has been in the middle of the lineup wherever he has been. We were looking for somebody like him and everything else that kind of goes with him."

Ventura's talking about a player who solidifies the position and gives the team a big bat behind MVP candidate Jose Abreu, who last season was taking swings outside of his hitting zone due to lack of support in the lineup in front and behind him. Leadership ability is just a bonus when it comes to the 30-year-old Frazier.

Frazier homered for the second time this season Friday. That was the only run the White Sox produced against the Indians starter Danny Salazar and three relievers.

"It's very frustrating," Frazier said of the loss. "We have been doing our job the last four games. We just couldn't find our groove there. That's just the way it goes."

Frazier has become a teammate favorite and is sure to catch on with the White Sox fan base. He will remind them of World Series hero Joe Crede with his solid defense and power bat. Frazier has averaged 32 home runs and 84 RBIs over the last two seasons. He was All-Star at home in Cincinnati and won the Home Run Derby in front of the hometown fans last season.

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.