Yankees sign Ben Francisco, Mets had interest
Earlier today, the Indians announced they released OF Ben Francisco.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees have signed Francisco, and he is on his way to Yankees camp in Tampa.
Mike Puma of the New York Post said earlier the Mets had “preliminary” interest in signing Francisco after Cleveland released him but before the Yankees signed him.
In January, Mark Hale of the New York Post said the Mets were interested in Francisco, but the Indians later signed him to a minor league deal.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
Francisco fits best as a backup or utility outfielder. His best years came in 2008 and 2009 while with the Indians and Phillies, but he has not played regularly since then. He’s right-handed, and can play all three outfield positions, but he’s not a particularly good defender and doesn’t provide much value offensively either. However, given the Mets outfield situation, anyone who is available has to at least be considered.Statistics and information on Ben Francisco...
Stats: In 82 games with the Blue Jays, Astros and Rays in 2012, Francisco, 31, hit .240 with a .285 OBP and .385 SLG, 14 doubles, four home runs and 15 RBI with 49 strikeouts in 207 plate appearances.
Contract: Francisco earned $1.53 million in a one-year deal he signed with the Blue Jays before the 2012 season.
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