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Julio Franco

Elster88 May 21 2007 05:45 AM

27 at-bats 5 hits 10 strikeouts If we had dumped Valentin after 27 at-bats last year we would've never known what we lost. I'm just sayin, Franco looks his age up there.

Rockin' Doc May 21 2007 05:59 AM

Franco is far too limited defensively to be of much value unless he can supply a reliable bat off the bench. He has always had a long swing, but it appears that age has finally caught up with him. He just can't get around on the fastball anymore. He is essentially reduced to an opposite field singles hitter, that can be easily jammed with hard stuff in. I would love to see the Mets keep him in the organization, since I believe his playing days are (should be) ending in the near future. I think he could be valuable as a minor league instructor. Franco has a wealth of knowledge and seems to have a good attitude which could make him a good minor league instructor. The problem is, I believe Franco wants to play, not coach. Some people have a difficult time hanging up their spikes.

Gwreck May 21 2007 06:34 AM

Newhan's statistics are almost identical to Franco's. I could see tolerating one player like that off the bench, but two is not feasible. Someone's gotta go.

metirish May 21 2007 06:38 AM

Willie keeps using Franco in big sposts so I assume he thinks he can still do it,if I'm Newhan and I get cut over a guy Franco's age then I might think about retiring.

sharpie May 21 2007 06:57 AM

Notwithstanding Franco's start at third base, Newhan seems the more versatile player. Cut Julio, keep him around in the org.

Edgy DC May 21 2007 07:22 AM

I don't think they'll give up on him this week, perhaps taking solace that he's still hitting .333 and reaching.438 as a pinch-hitter. Plus peaks tend to be high and valleys tend to be low with guys who play less. So they may still be hoping this is a valley and not the end.

Elster88 May 27 2007 02:39 PM

I'll put it here too: I think he's 5 for 15 pinch hitting now, including a 2-out, game-tying single in the ninth at Washington. Again, just sayin.

attgig May 28 2007 08:58 AM

i see 4/15 on espn stats with 3 walks. meanwhile. newhan is 4/26 with 4 walks and 1 hbp i'm still a firm believer that we need a lefty off the bench, and with alou and green out there, Endy is not a bench player. There honestly is no need for a righty PH with a righty pitcher, unless you're going to tell your everyday player that you have more faith in Franco than you.

Edgy DC May 28 2007 09:36 AM

attgig wrote: There honestly is no need for a righty PH with a righty pitcher, unless you're going to tell your everyday player that you have more faith in Franco than you. I don't really understand your meaning here.

metirish May 29 2007 08:10 AM

I'd like to see Julio shorten his swing at least,although I imagine he would look quite odd doing that...