MLB Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies Should Keep Maikel Franco In Minors For Now

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By @papreps

Maikel Franco, Phillies,

Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

When the Philadelphia Phillies made Maikel Franco a September call-up, many thought they were rushing him.

Franco gave those critics some ammunition with a .179 BA through 16 September games, but his return to minor league form as the best hitter in the Dominican League this winter presents the organization with a dilemma. If they keep him in the minors for just the first 48 games, they can protect him in the Phillies’ organization through 2021. If they keep him with the big club on opening day, he becomes a free agent in 2020.

While that seems like a small risk now, getting another year of production from a power talent like Franco has to factor into the team’s long-term plan. Long-term is the only way the Phillies should think right now. While Franco hit only .179 for the Phils, he fielded like Hall-of-Fame Gold Glover Mike Schmidt in his prime. Franco won the International League version of the Gold Glove, which was impressive because the votes came from IL manager, and continued the spectacular play at the position for the Phillies.

The organization has been talking about moving Franco to first, but third is his natural position, and they can move current third baseman Cody Asche for other needed assets. Building Asche’s trade value should become a priority while Franco develops.

Franco has been one of the hottest hitters in the Dominican Republic. Playing for Gigantes del Cibao, the Dominican native went 7-for-17 with two home runs in five games last week, and extended his playoff hitting streak to eight games. Franco is hitting .348/.354/.587 in 12 playoff games and ranks third in the league in both OPS and batting average during the playoffs. His team is in first place.

Franco better enjoy the winning for now, because all signs point to a return to a last-place team in the NL, and that’s all the more reason why he should be sent to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, who have a much better chance of making a run in the International League. Protecting this asset should be the Phillies’ No. 1 priority for now.

Mike Gibson is a Phillies writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @papreps , “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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