Despite missteps, Freese on track at 3B

[January 22, 2010]  ST. LOUIS (AP) -- David Freese's drunk driving arrest in December has not dislodged him as the top contender for the St. Louis Cardinals' third base job.

But the 26-year-old Freese knows he has to grow up and earn the team's trust. During the team's Winter Warm-Up last weekend, Freese said he hadn't taken a drink since his DUI arrest for a blood-alcohol content of .232 -- nearly three times the legal limit.

Freese says he had a long discussion with general manager John Mozeliak not long after the arrest.

He has entered a treatment program, although he says he is not an alcoholic. He says he's lost 16 pounds during offseason conditioning.

[Associated Press]

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