July 12, 2007
Goodbye Rosie, the Queen of Corona
The Mets designated Julio Franco for assignment today:
The New York Mets cut the 48-year-old utilityman Thursday, opting to give 22-year-old outfielder Lastings Milledge another chance in the majors.
The NL East leaders announced the move before starting the second half with a game against Cincinnati.
Franco hit only .200 in 50 at-bats with one home run and eight RBIs. Mostly a pinch-hitter, he also played a bit at first base and third base this season.
Popular in the clubhouse, Franco often acted as a coach, motivating both veterans and younger players. There has been speculation he might eventually have that role full-time; this week, the Mets hired Rickey Henderson as a coach.
Milledge can only hope he Lastings as long as Franco. Julio was a late bloomer, putting together his best years starting at age 28 and lasting through age 37. He was the only player still in the majors who debuted before I graduated from college. I hope he has a successful career coaching and managing.
Thank goodness.
Sincerely,
All Mets fans everywhere.
I'll miss Julio Franco. One of my favorite players growing up, and a guy who deserves a plaque in the Hall of the Very Good.
111 OPS+ and 2576 hits are pretty good for a middle infielder.
As a Julio fan since his earliest days with the Indians, I hope somebody else gives him a chance to fulfil his dream of playing until he's 50!
I wouldn't hestitate to vote for Franco for the Hall of Fame.
HOF? Seriously? I don't think so. Please, make your case. Not every player we like deserves a plaque in the Hall of Fame. Count me with those putting him in the Hall of Very Good.
franco needs to be on the yankees, another member of the over the hill gang
J. Franco............Hall of Very Good....He's not a hall of famer. C'mon!
Glad the Mets finally made that move. Julio served his pupose here. However, the Mets have pressing needs and unfortunately, he was a liability off the bench who limited Willie's late inning manueverability.
He was a tremendous ballplayer at one time. He is not a HOF'er though.
