Franco Excited to Represent Phils in Futures Game

Maikel Franco, image- Jay Floyd

You likely won't find a happier minor leaguer than Phillies third base prospect Maikel Franco. The Dominican born 20-year-old is having a tremendous season, has started to become a house hold name and will represent the Phils in Sunday's MLB All-Star Futures Game. With all that in mind, Franco's ready to put forth his best efforts on a big stage but is still in amazement, at times, of his own output.

Signed by the Phillies in 2010 at the age of 17, Franco has steadily been climbing the developmental ladder ever since, making an impact last season with Class A Lakewood where he started off at somewhat of a slow pace. The youngster batted .207 with six homers, 27 RBI and a .607 OPS before he turned things up after the South Atlantic League All-Star break. In the second half of 2012, Franco really showed what he can do, as he posted a .346 average with eight home runs, 57 RBI, and a .925 OPS.

Franco, who had never before played in cold weather, cites an adjustment period last year to playing in the northeast in April and May, where the weather is far different from the Dominican Republic and Florida where he had spent those months each year until his appointment to man the hot corner for the BlueClaws last season.

This season, though, Franco has already surpassed last year's home run total, mashing 21 big flies thus far at two levels in 2013.

"That's amazing. I'm so happy. Unbelievable. But I've been consistent here. I had 14 home runs and now I've got (more than) 20 already, I'm so excited and so happy," Franco said with a proud expression.

Overall in 84 combined games with Class A Advance Clearwater and Double-A Reading, the 6-foot-1 185-pounder has tallied a .321 average with a .958 OPS.

Of his progress and the recognition of playing in Sunday's nationally televised prospect exhibition (ESPN2 at 2PM EST, live from New York's Citi Field), Franco beams and can't hold back a sizable grin across his youthful mug.

"I feel good. I feel excited because (I) play all the time and practice hard, so I want the fans and the coaches to think about good things for me," Franco excitedly said. "So, I just play hard and it's great if good things come for me."

Franco is slated to serve as the designated hitter for the World Team, a slot he'll gladly accept, despite taking great pride in his defense and feeling that's an equal part of his skill set.

"I give a lot of focus on (that side of my game) because I need my defense too, because I play an important position- third base. I'm focused in, twice. I want to get help every way I can and get better (all around)," Franco stated.

Franco will be joined by Reading Fightins teammate Jesse Biddle, who is ranked as PhilliesNation's top Phillies prospect for 2013.

Biddle, 21, has a 3-9 record with a 3.33 ERA and a .202 batting average against in 18 starts this season.

Watson on the shelf...

Last season's top draft selection by the Phils, Shane Watson, is slated to miss about a month, as he was placed on the disabled list this week with shoulder soreness. The 19-year-old righty had posted a 4-6 record along with a 4.75 ERA and a .230 batting average against in 16 starts for Lakewood this season prior to the injury.

Watson was slated to head to the Phillies' spring training facility in Florida on Sunday to begin a rehab program.

Stats to Ponder: Jimmy Rollins Edition

J-Roll has batted under .200 for a calendar month twice in his career. In April 2004, Rollins went 13-for-71, for a .183 average. The following month, Rollins went 30-for-107, which is a .280 average. And in August 2005, Rollins went 22-for-117, for a .188 average. The month that followed saw Rollins go 49-for-122 for a .402 average. Rollins is batting .171 so far in May 2009. Improvement is not far away for Jimmy. The Phillies are 10-2 in games this year which Rollins scores at least 1 run. The Phillies are 4-12 in games which Rollins does not score. Jimmy Rollins in 6 games against the Braves this year is batting .071 (2-for-28). In 2008 Rollins batted .284 against the Braves in 18 games. In 2007 Rollins batted .347 against the Braves in 18 games. In 2006 Rollins batted .367 against the Braves in 18 games. Jimmy Milestone Watch: 6 more RBI and Rollins will tie Scott Rolen for 25th all time in Phillies RBI leaders. 7 more triples and Rollins will tie Richie Ashburn for 4th all time i...

Crawford's Chronicles: JP Crawford talks Spring Training

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Phreestyle Battle & Notes

Unrelated to baseball, really...but it's fun and our Phils are off today. This new kid on the hip hop scene, Charles Hamilton , whose single Brooklyn Girl is ripping up radio and video count downs, was at PSU for a performance recently. A freestyle battle ensued, and as you'll see, the Penn State student held his own. Stay tuned for the ending. It's the best part. Here are some random Phillies-in-idle baseball thoughts and notes- Colbert Hamels is slated to make his Grapefruit League debut tomorrow vs. Team Canada. Shane Victorino is going to wear #50 on his jersey for Team USA, a nod to Hawaii Five-O. Brad Lidge is likely to not see game action till next week, after he throws some more bullpen sessions and works out the tightness in his forearm. Albert Pujols is declaring "respect for his country" as reasoning for sitting out of the Cardinals' exhibition this week against Team Dominican Republic. He told reporters, "I don’t want to play against them...

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