Jeff Francis

by nick9314 on Dec 23, 2008 1:42 AM EST

Francis, 27, won seventeen games in 2007 with the NL Champion Rockies. Francis was never an overpowering pitcher but more of a "crafty-lefty." He was never viewed as an ideal ace pitcher, and would fit nicely behind Jurrjens, Vazquez, and possibly Smoltz. Francis is coming off of an awful 2008 in which he won a mere four games with an ERA of 5.01. Atlanta could probably acquire him for a few mid-level prospects and possibly a bullpen arm. In November of 2006, Francis signed an affordable four-year, 13.25 million contract with a fifth-year option. This would keep him in Atlanta for 2009, 2010, and possibly 2011. I wouldn't give up too much to get him but he would certainly add depth to an "aceless" rotation. Just speculation, but tell me what you think.

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I don't think

that the Rockies are even remotely interested in getting rid of him.

by Hizilla on Dec 23, 2008 2:09 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

I would agree with you, but I like the thinking. However, I’m more than a little bit scared to think that we’ll have an “aceless” rotation till Huddy gets back. I think I’m about to hop on the Derek Lowe Bandwagon

by Bmacbandwagon on Dec 23, 2008 10:57 AM EST up reply actions

this.

stop randomly looking at rosters and saying “WOW HE”S A GREAT PLAYER LETS SEE IF ANYONE ELSE WANTS HIM"

BIG JOE SUCK ONE

by bigjoe on Dec 23, 2008 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

we should sign Barry Bonds

by Bmacbandwagon on Dec 23, 2008 10:25 PM EST up reply actions

we should sign sadaharu oh and throw him in left. i’m sure he’d be better than blanco, even if he is eligible for japanese social security

BIG JOE SUCK ONE

by bigjoe on Dec 23, 2008 10:55 PM EST up reply actions

i thought i had heard he died. no matter still better than Blanco

"We win today, that's two in a row... if we win tomorrow, that's called a winning streak. It has happened before..."

by Swo12bv on Dec 25, 2008 1:42 AM EST up reply actions

Well

We know the Rox aren’t looking to compete in 09 (Holliday deal), and they probably have a tough road in 2010 too, so it’s not a bad thought.

Problem is, with Fowler almost ready they’re not really looking for a CF, and I’m not sure we have a match otherwise. Plus, it’s not like Francis is exactly expensive yet, so why wouldn’t they keep him, enjoy the 2+ years of above-average pitching? And there’s always the chance they can re-sign/extend him.

So, bottomline, not a bad idea, but probably not a fit, IMO.

Formerly Uncle Charlie of Minor League Ball

by Yakker on Dec 23, 2008 2:16 PM EST reply actions

I remember...

… Francis’ major league debut. It was against the Braves in Atlanta and I remember we pretty much lit him up. Yep, just checked Baseball Ref and we did. I remember that the announcers couldn’t get over that Francis looked like he was 12… and still does. That being said, I’ve always likes what Francis has to offer, but he’s never translated it into success on the field. And no, he doesn’t suffer from pitching at Coors Field.

by gondeee on Dec 23, 2008 4:00 PM EST reply actions