Phillies: Closer’s next challenger
By Tal Venada
Competition:
Comparing Hector Neris‘ challenger to Franco’s is a window into expectations and results. Franco also disappointed the faithful after a promising 2015: 80 games, 335 PA, .280, 14 home runs and 50 RBIs for half a year.
For the previous two summers, fans have suggested trading Franco, benching him, sending him to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs and replacing him with Crawford and Kingery. The first test was after Crawford’s advancement on Sept. 5, and Franco responded by producing the statistics expected in April.
Franco, 25.5:
- 2017: 21 Gms., 68 AB, 19 H, .279, 6 HR and 14 RBI (after Sept 5).
- 2018: 33 Gms., 121 AB, 34 H, .281, 7 HR and 28 RBI.
- Total: 54 Gms., 189 AB, 53 H, .280, 13 HR and 42 RBI.
- Projection for 162: 39 HR and 126 RBI.
- All current stats through May 12.
Even though Franco gave a September preview for ’18, many locals had their minds made up. They had Crawford ready to man the hot corner despite hitting .214 as a final-month call-up. But when management decided to keep Cesar Hernandez at second, Kingery now batting .224 became their obvious choice for third base.
This season, Franco’s rebound has accelerated with Carlos Santana‘s advice. And even when Franco has a swing reminiscent of a year ago, he makes the adjustment on the next pitch. As a result, he leads the club in homers (7) and RBIs (28).
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