How will Maikel Franco work out?

Franco is one of the most highly touted prospects to come out of the Phillies minor leagues as a 3^rd baseman in several years. He batted .257 with 16 homeruns in Lehigh Valley. Before being called Franco was tearing up the Minors hitting for the cycle, multi homerun games, as well as hitting a grand slam. The problem with Franco is that showed up to Spring Training unprepared and did not look comfortable, that is why Asche won the job out of Spring Training. However, when you think about it did Asche really win the position over?  Asche has not done anything that productive to seal his fate as the future 3^rd baseman for the Phillies. Cody hasn’t done anything for the Phillies, being productive is very tough at this position, but he hasn’t be spectacular. To play in this city you have to do something to win not just the coaches over, but the fans too.

Maikel Franco is only 22 years old so as fans we must take this into account, before judging  his performance in Philadelphia. Asche is also young being only 24, though those two years could be a big advantage for someone like Franco who many are saying is Major League ready.  It is apparent that the Phillies are out of the Playoff race, this means we will be seeing more of Maikel Franco, now the question is, where will he be playing?

With several different players filling spots the question is how will the Phillies manage to get everyone that needs playing time into games. Let’s be realistic now, Dom Brown’s time in Philadelphia is over, so this will open up a space in leftfield. However, there is a problem will this position be played by Darin Ruf or Grady Sizemore the veteran. Both of these guys have something to prove. Now many will say, why not just place Ruf at first and play Sizemore in the Outfield. Well, there’s the other problem Franco, Howard, and Ruf all play first. As, fans we want to see the youth play, but we can’t just throw away a veteran like Ryan Howard who is on his way to 100 RBIs. Will we see a team with Ruf in left next season Franco at first and Asche at 3^rd? This provides the best opportunity for Franco to get the most playing time and opens the largest hole for him.

In reality Franco will play, depending whether or not he performs. As well as how he compares to the other players that he will be taking time from.  In my opinion this is going to be a true question mark and we will have to watch how this plays out with this team. There could be a bright future for Franco, he is a guy that has a ton of potential and raw talent. Now we have to ask ourselves is he a Dom Brown or a Ryan Howard. I think Franco is a guy that we can trust, he seems to have a great understanding of the game and I look forward to seeing him in the lineup in the future.