Jason Michaels Cut?

[love_that_reefer]

Jason Michaels will be cut by the Indians to make room for Ben Francisco, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Michaels was an underrated player for the Phillies, but he never met expectations for the Indians. It looks like a good switch for the team.

Francisco was the Minor League Player of the Year for the Indians last year but hasn't been so hot this season in AAA. He was batting .228 with just 1 HR and 6 RBI. Micheals will be picked up as he plays good defense and is a good platoon option.

[Bon Bon]

Is Francisco an OF? If so will he platoon with Delucci or will Delcucci get all the AB's?

[ljshorty89]

I would assume Francisco would start. Why call a guy up if he's just gonna sit on the bench at age 20?

[Bon Bon]

Than I guess he is one of the Indians top prospects.

[ljshorty89]

I'm pretty sure he was high on their organizational list. I don't remember where. But he seemed to have significant talent

[Bon Bon]

It seems like the Indians would like someone in LF that can play more than just a quality platoon like Delucci so this guy may be the answer.

[ljshorty89]

I'm sure thats their hope. But if he's not ready, then they may be in trouble

[catman]

Ben Fransisco was listed by Baseball America as the Indians' #9 prospect going into this season. They have another kid, Nick Weglarz, that is a better prospect.
Fransisco is 26 and is nearing the end of his "prospect" status. If he doesn't make it this time, he may never make it.
I would agree that Michaels should catch on with someone. Everyone can use a decent glove-man in the outfield and Michaels has a history of being a fair run-producer at times as well. I could see him going to the A's or some "small market" team with limited payroll flexibility. He won't command a huge salary, and likely won't get a guaranteed major league contract.

[Pronk48]

Ben Fransisco offers much more than Michaels did.

Fransisco offers the ability to play all three outfield positions, has speed on the basepaths, and a better bat.

It has started out with him platooning in both RF and LF, but I think by the end of the season the starting outfield will be:

RF- Franklin Gutierez
CF- Grady Sizemore
LF- Ben Fransisco

Dellucci will spell Gutierez and Fransisco, and Fransisco will play the occasional CF to give Grady the occasional break.

[love_that_reefer]

The Pirates picked Michaels up and he had a two run single today.

[Bon Bon]

Good to see he was picked up. He is from what I heard a pretty gritty player.