The Blue Jays announced that they have signed veteran left-hander Jeff Francis to a minor league contract with an invitation to big league Spring Training. Francis is a client of Frontline Athlete Management.
Francis, 34 in January, split the 2014 season between the Reds, Athletics and Yankees, totaling 20 innings of work. He allowed 13 runs in that time for a 5.85 ERA, though he did post a strong 15-to-3 K/BB ratio as well.
Originally the ninth overall pick in the 2002 draft by the Rockies, the Canadian-born Francis has totaled a 4.95 ERA with 6.0 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9 in 1269 career innings between the Rockies, Royals, Red, A’s and Yankees. He’ll give the Jays some rotation depth to stash at Triple-A and could also serve as a relief option, as he did with the Rockies last season and in 11 of his 12 appearances in 2014.
No offense to the guy, but of all pitchers, why does he keep getting chances? He really has never had a good season.
Someone’s gotta hold rotation spot 5 in AAA.
He was excellent (park adjusted) for a couple years in Colorado. Hasn’t had MLB stuff since he left the Rockies (and how many times can you say THAT?)
he had 2 decent seasons in Colorado in ’06 and ’07 (ERA+ of 118 and 114). He’s a lefty pitcher. Those guys will always get chances until their arms fall off.
Left-handed is my guess.
Well, in this case his being Canadian probably didn’t hurt. That actually significantly helps ticket sales for squads north of the border who don’t typically have many/any Canadian players.
I really don’t know how he keeps getting work…
Part of the motivation could be for some positive PR. The jays just raised ticket prices, and are seemingly unable to take on any money, all while facing the increasing likelihood of losing Cabrera without a capable replacement waiting in the wings. Last year, they announced the re-signing of Kawasaki on Christmas Eve, so sometimes the timing of these things is intentional. I don’t agree with the rationale, but what can you do
Hendriks and Francis are just depth. Of course, they already have some SP depth. Might be an indication of AA’s offseason plans (trade of Dickey or Buerhle for a bat)?
Is there anyone the Jays won’t sign anymore……good luck with Andy Dirks
Dirks and Francis, here come the championships….
Other teams have prospects to fill their minor league rotations, Blue Jays fill their minors with old hasbeens and neverwillbes.