Ryan Freel Back To Uncertain Utility Role With Reds

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) -- Ryan Freel is back where he started --fighting for a starting job in the Cincinnati Reds outfield.

A year ago, Freel was convinced he'd finally made it.  The starting job in center field was his. The Cincinnati Reds gave him a seven million dollar contract extension that felt like a long-term commitment.

But then on May 28 at Great American Ball Park, he ran full-speed into fellow outfielder Norris Hopper while chasing a fly ball.

Freel had a severe concussion and a sprained neck and missed five weeks, and then missed more time when he tore his knee.

Now the 32-year-old outfielder finds himself playing a lot of different positions this spring while someone else is in center field.

But Freel says he's not going to change his hard-charging style of play.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)