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Quick Hits: Rays, Franco, Gibbons, Phillies, Harper, Storen

By TC Zencka | May 2, 2020 at 8:56am CDT

Wander Franco has apparently heard some of the positive chatter around his game. MLB Insider Hector Gomez tweets that Franco fully expects to have $300MM in front of him within four years. Of course, baseball economics make that a somewhat suspect goal, as there’s a decent chance Franco will not be arbitration eligible yet in that timespan, and even if he were, the largest contract given out by the Rays is the six-year, $100MM deal given to Evan Longoria. It’s hard to imagine them tripling that high overnight. And yet, if there were a guy to prompt such spending, Franco might be the one. The Rays’ 19-year-old shortstop has a hit tool that scouts are raving about in no uncertain terms. The youngster hit an absurd .318/.390/.506 in Single A last season against competition an average of more than 3 years his elder. Franco’s on-field performance thus far certainly merits bawdy talk, and in an open market, there’s no telling how much Franco might earn today. While Franco’s stock continues to appreciate, let’s check in elsewhere around the league…

  • Former Blue Jays manager John Gibbons has been vocal about his desire to get back into a major league clubhouse. He hasn’t gotten much traction, however, despite efforts on his part to dispel certain assumptions about his managerial style. Gibbons doesn’t agree with his reputation around the league, which considers him an old-school type, non-adept with analytics and better-suited to a veteran clubhouse. He had reached out to a number of teams with openings this offseason, but couldn’t even secure himself an interview. Not until the Astros’ position became available, writes The Star’s Gregor Chisholm. The role ultimately went to Dusty Baker, returning Gibbons to his current role as a scout for the Braves. Gibbons will continue to reach out to clubs with managerial openings.
  • Drew Storen has been through a lot in his baseball life, from an undefeated high school season alongside teammate Lance Lynn, to anchoring the bullpen on early Nats contenders that featured a young Bryce Harper, to Tommy John surgery in 2017 that stuck his career in the mud, writes Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia. While in camp with the Phillies this spring, Storen had a couple of major takeaways. First was how much he enjoyed playing the game. Second was how much Harper has grown as a leader since his early days with the Nats. And third was that Storen actually had a pretty decent chance of making the team. Being released by the Royals last June lit a fire for Storen, reminding him the type of urgency and intention it would take to return to the big leagues. He went to work at Driveline in an effort to build his arm enough to make a major league bullpen. Storen looked good this spring, with a 3.60 ERA over 5 innings with 5 strikeouts and zero walks.
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Philadelphia Phillies Tampa Bay Rays Bryce Harper Drew Storen John Gibbons Wander Franco

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View Comments (44)
Post a Comment

44 Comments

  1. mppg

    5 years ago

    I’m a Blue Jays fan. Gibbons first time as manager was a disaster but second time as manager he was great. He should get another manager job.

    1
    Reply
    • drchilmrichalds

      5 years ago

      As a blue jays fan I got tired of watching the most grimaced walk to the mound possible. Dude needs a physiotherapist and orthopaedic surgeon before he needs a managerial job

      Reply
  2. thebaseballfanatic

    5 years ago

    In that case, the Rays will be trading Franco at some point when he decides he wants more money than the Rays can afford. And $300 million in only 4 years as an 18 year old? Greedy and unrealistic, much?

    6
    Reply
    • Jonny5

      5 years ago

      He’s awfully confident for a player who hasn’t hit above class A+. Not saying he isn’t extremely talented, but it’s a tad premature to be talking about $300 million dollar contracts…

      3
      Reply
      • Stevil

        5 years ago

        There’s nothing wrong with that as long as he understands that he has to earn it; play to the standards of the elite of the elite in baseball.

        Regardless, I hope Tampa doesn’t trade him prematurely. They’ve never been able to afford elite players. Having one come home-grown is a godsend.

        Reply
      • Strike Four

        5 years ago

        He’s no more or less confident than Kris Bryant or Bryce Harper…because its obvious to anyone with eyes he is on the same tier of talent as those two.

        He’s absolutely going to put up $300M of production in his first 5 seasons if he doesnt get hurt.

        Reply
        • chesteraarthur

          5 years ago

          It’s like you don’t even bother reading the posts you respond to.

          Reply
        • Cam

          5 years ago

          He’s not. Those two are proven elite Major League players – Franco is an elite prospect. He’s done everything he can to project as elite – but even you shouldn’t need to be explained the difference between production and projection.

          Reply
      • Jeff Zanghi

        5 years ago

        Yeah I mean idk what the context surrounding that comment was but… it’s a bit premature to be announcing you’re going to be making $300M in 4 years. For one thing he most likely won’t even be close to FA by then — he’s only 19 and hasn’t gotten above A ball yet… and as impressive as he’s been thus far — he still needs to develop power to justify that kind of money. Do I think he will? Yes… But 9 HRs in A/A+ isn’t exactly $300M ready… he could get there but definitely not 4 years from now…

        Reply
    • Chris1939

      5 years ago

      He’s probably just joking around, I’m sure even he knows that seems like quite a reach and he’ll settle for a reasonable contract. I’m sure the Rays wouldn’t mind opening up their wallets for him if he pans out.

      Reply
    • Strike Four

      5 years ago

      So Evan Longoria never existed, huh?

      Do you think maybe why they dont spend, is because they’d rather put it all on 1 player? Franco is that player. Excpect Acuna-level offense and elite SS defense, making him more valuable than Acuna. Good for Franco for underselling himself like Acuna did though.

      Reply
      • Chris1939

        5 years ago

        Okay, bro you need to chill. No player is going to get $300 Million within a few years. Not even the Greatest Player in Baseball, Mike Trout, got a contract that huge within 5 years. Be realistic, I get you’re hyped about the dude, but take it 5 steps back.

        1
        Reply
      • Javia

        5 years ago

        Franco Prospect Grades:
        Hit- 80
        Power- 60
        Run-55
        Field-50
        Arm- 60

        No elite SS defense. No 30+ steals. No 40+ HR. He is an incredible hitter. He will likely win batting titles if everything works out for him. But let’s not get carried away.

        1
        Reply
  3. Brixton

    5 years ago

    Pedro Gomez also said Ozuna was going to sign for 180M or so. I don’t buy it

    1
    Reply
    • Brixton

      5 years ago

      Hector Gomez*

      Reply
      • dynamite drop in monty

        5 years ago

        Gomez Addams

        Reply
        • lowtalker1

          5 years ago

          Adam Sandler

          Reply
        • PhilsPhan

          5 years ago

          Sandoozler

          Reply
        • DarkSide830

          5 years ago

          Darude -Sandstorm

          Reply
  4. HubcapDiamondStarHalo

    5 years ago

    Too… easy… Can… not… resist…

    I Wander if he’s gonna be disappointed??

    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      5 years ago

      You did it so I didn’t have to. You’re a hero.

      Reply
      • HubcapDiamondStarHalo

        5 years ago

        Man, now that bar is set so high…

        Reply
  5. bbatardo

    5 years ago

    Even Mike Trout didn’t get 300 million after 4 years.. it’s just not how baseball economics work for young players.

    Reply
    • HubcapDiamondStarHalo

      5 years ago

      Maybe he’s the smartest guy in the room! Let it circulate now that he wants $300MM, so when he “settles” for $140MM, the Rays feel like they got a bargain!

      Reply
      • Strike Four

        5 years ago

        Maybe he’s the only one in the room who knows his true value and is arguing against the suppression of salaries that have effected every single American over the last 30 years??

        1
        Reply
  6. Stealing Signs

    5 years ago

    Gibby 2.0 was great. No worries John, AA has you waiting in the wings for Snitckers eventual dismissal .

    Reply
    • RunDMC

      5 years ago

      Ron Washington says, you have to get an interview first, Gibby.

      Nevermind their coach are stock full of former managers Washington/Weiss or candidates for managerial openings: Washington, Eddie Perez (Maddux’s catcher).

      2
      Reply
  7. jdgoat

    5 years ago

    So Franco is guaranteed to be traded.

    Reply
  8. Phiilies2020

    5 years ago

    I wouldnt even consider Franco a top 3-5 prospect. I’d have Lux, Gore, Mize, Adell, Aldy, Pearson, Robert and Sixto ahead of him. I think he gets the most hype because hes a Rays prospect and everyone thinks anything the Rays touch will turn to gold. He’s unbelievable, dont get me wrong. But when projecting who will have the best career, it’s not Franco in my opinion. Only time will tell with prospects

    Reply
    • lowtalker1

      5 years ago

      Sixto is over rated

      Reply
      • Phiilies2020

        5 years ago

        Idk man he looks like a young Pedro Martinez on the mound. I dont think he’s going to win multiple CY’s or anything but he has some of the best swing and miss stuff in the minors.

        Reply
        • Brixton

          5 years ago

          Sixto Sanchez really doesnt have elite swing and miss stuff lol

          1
          Reply
        • Strike Four

          5 years ago

          Jesus Luzardo looks like young Pedro Martinez. Minor league pitchers who havent hit MLB are absolutely worthless to rate as prospects because they can all get TJ at any moment and that puts their entire career up in the air.

          Stop being stupid, Franco is better than all those players you listed by miles and miles.

          2
          Reply
    • Strike Four

      5 years ago

      @Phillies2020 doesnt know what a good baseball player looks like if he thinks Franco isnt EASILY the best prospect in baseball,

      He’s Acuna with gold glove SS defense. Get some eyes and stop being a homer.

      1
      Reply
      • Javia

        5 years ago

        Franco’s defense projects as average. His power is a grade below Acuna. His speed is just above average, or a grade and a half below Acuna. Sure, his bat maxes the scale, but let’s not pretend he is more than he is.

        1
        Reply
        • Phiilies2020

          5 years ago

          If Franco can put up those same numbers at AA when baseball resumes, then I’d think differently. I cant buy into a guy yet that hasnt played above A+

          Reply
        • yandymania

          5 years ago

          Franco is an all star floor, HOF ceiling. The numbers are eye popping guy. He was one of the best hitters in the FSL, a league notorious for deflating offensive numbers, at age 19. If you compare his numbers to other similar phenoms then he has outperformed all of them at his age and level, Tatis, Vladdy, Ramirez, you name it. His tools are going to translate as his plate discipline is godly and he simply doesn’t swing and miss. You’re out of your mind if you dont want all of this out of the SS position. Easily the best prospect in the game.

          Reply
  9. Tiger_diesel92

    5 years ago

    Drew storen career took a downhill after the nats acquired paplebon, and storen had to requlish his closer role for him when he had the better season.

    1
    Reply
  10. ellisburks

    5 years ago

    Gibbons was a below average manager. He was handed some good talent and underachieved every time. He shouldn’t helm another team.

    Reply
  11. DarkSide830

    5 years ago

    woah there Wander

    Reply
  12. DarkSide830

    5 years ago

    I quite like the progress Storen has made. i hope he makes the team.

    Reply
  13. Strike Four

    5 years ago

    Cant wait for the Rays to give Wander a 12 year $300M deal before he steps on the field.

    He will probably get MVP votes his rookie year, mark my words.

    Reply
    • Phiilies2020

      5 years ago

      Maybe you should ask him out

      1
      Reply
      • Javia

        5 years ago

        I’m sure he has a poster of Wander taped to the ceiling above his bed.

        1
        Reply

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