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.

The Terrific Ken Giles

            I have to admit, when I first saw Ken Giles and first heard him discuss his 100 MPH fastball I thought to myself; wow this guy is cocky and needs a reality check.  I think that reality check came during his first game when he allowed a homerun, however his demeanor did not change from this. Ken Giles has gone out in 18.1 innings and has a .98 ERA. Giles has dominated almost every batter that he has faced. The Phillies may have finally scouted a player correctly, they may have finally gotten one right out of the hundreds they have got wrong. Ken Giles could be a piece with the Phillies for a long time. I have to admit since watching him that I have become less of a skeptic and more of a supporter of his ability.

           When first watching Giles one might think that he is just another live arm that will only last as long as his elbow and shoulder don't give in. However, he is much more then that. Ken Giles brings an attitude that is unmatched to the pitching mound. When he steps onto the rubber he truly thinks he is better then any batter he is facing, and Giles has proven it time and time again. Giles has not only a good strong fastball at 100 MPH, but he also has a very nice breaking ball as well. Giles seems to be keeping hitters very off balance and very unsure of themselves when they are at the plate. Ken has only allowed two runs to score in his 18+ innings of work as well as having 26 strikeouts. When Giles is on there may not be anyone better in the MLB at his job. Though he is only 23 I look at this kid and see so much potential and upside. If Giles is able to stay healthy and keep it together he may have a real future with this Phillies team.

            The only thing I hope with Ken Giles is that the Phillies don't try to do something stupid with him, like the Rangers did to Neftali Feliz (the fireball closer) who they tried turning him into a starter. This would be a big mistake if the Phillies were to try this. Giles has proven himself comfortable in the bullpen at every level. He has proven he has what it takes to save ball games and has the mind of a closer and the fireball pitching that goes along with it. With all the upside and potential that Ken Giles has, my hope is that the Phillies got this one right, and that they don't try to do something that they will regret.
-Brett