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Julio Franco Calls It Quits

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It’s the end of a 26-year-long journey for Julio Franco, the 49-year old famously known for his longevity. On Wednesday, Franco, who had been playing in Mexico for the Quintana Roo Tigers, announced his retirement to his teammates and the information was made public on Thursday via a post on the team’s website.

In an interview published today by the Mexican sports daily Record, Franco says, "It was the hardest decision in my life. I understand that my time has passed and the great men and athletes know when to say enough."

The first baseman made his final appearance in MLB on September 17, 2007 for the Atlanta Braves. Facing the Florida Marlins, Franco was called on to pinch hit in the bottom of the 8th and made what would be his last at-bat count, lacing a single to right and driving in a run.

Posted by Paul Moro

Juan Pierre Not Happy Being A Bench Player

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Juan Pierre, who has been the odd man out in the crowded Dodgers outfield this year, said following the team’s 5-3 victory over the Florida Marlins on Thursday that he still has not accepted his current role with the club as a bench player:

"I don’t see myself as a bench player.  I haven’t accepted that. I know if they don’t want me to play out there, that’s their decision. But I don’t see myself as a bench player."

One reporter asked Pierre if he wanted to remain with the Dodgers to which the 30-year old responded:

"I’m not going to answer that one.  It is what it is. I’m not going to touch that one."

Pierre is currently behind young outfielders Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, along with offseason acquisition Andruw Jones, in the Dodgers’ depth chart. His deal is guaranteed for four more years including 2008 (at a combined $36.5MM) with a limited no-trade clause.

One difficult aspect of this situation is that Pierre is essentially still the same player he always was offensively. He has never hit for power and his OBP has always been fairly reliant on maintaining a high batting average (a dicey proposition year in and year out). The Dodgers knew what they were getting when they signed him in November 2006. Now Pierre is left to wonder what changed.

Paul Moro is a writer for UmpBump.com and can be reached via e-mail at Paul@UmpBump.com.

Should The O’s Hang On To Roberts?

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Following the Miguel Tejada and Erik Bedard trades, most assumed that the next Baltimore player to go would be Brian Roberts. There were conflicting reports yesterday regarding whether or not the Cubs offered 21-year old reliever Jose Ceda, but today it appears that nothing is imminent.

Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun sees no activity either, and offers his opinion that the Orioles may be better off beginning the season with Roberts in the lineup:

The chances of the Orioles obtaining full value for him in trade might actually increase if he gets off to a good start, and the market for him could expand if another contending club suffers a costly injury at second base or at the top of its batting order.

Schmuck also notes that Roberts isn’t exactly blocking anyone’s progress due to Baltimore’s lack of a second base prospect, which is a pretty accurate assessment. Among their list of the top 30 prospects within the Orioles system, Baseball America mentions one middle infielder, shortstop Tyler Henson, who comes in at #22 and is yet to play above Class-A ball.

But the Orioles may be in the market for pitching, especially given the news that 23-year old Adam Loewen had to be pulled from his scheduled start yesterday due to a sore shoulder. Loewen’s 2007 season ended in May following a stress fracture in his elbow.

Paul Moro writes for UmpBump.com and can be reached here.

Manny Looking For Four More Years In Boston

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Tony Massarotti writes today that slugger Manny Ramirez wants to play in Boston for four more years. Ramirez told reporters “I’m going to get the two options and I’m going to get two more years.”

The guaranteed portion of Manny’s contract is up at the end of the 2008 season. The club owns the rights to exercise options on both the 2009 and 2010 seasons at 20MM per.

This statement may come as a surprise to the Red Sox brass, however. When Ramirez was asked if he and the club have discussed any of this, he responded, “They don’t need to. I know I’m going to get it.”

By UmpBump Paul

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