Ben Francisco Optioned

Ben Francisco was optioned to Triple A Buffalo today.

Francisco had an outstanding Spring and now has many clamoring for him to take over in left field for David Dellucci.

The option has ended speculation about Dellucci going on the DL after he returned to action on Tuesday, and then followed up on Wednesday and showed that he was in fact, healthy.

Dellucci went 3-5 with 2 runs scored, 2 RBI and a triple and a double to his credit against the Astros.

Jay will start the year in left field platooning with Jason Michaels. But out of all the Indians starters, he is probably the one with the shortest leash.

Francisco's spring set everyone on notice that he shouldn't be diddling around in the minors for too much longer. The kid can hit and he's proved time and time again he is ready to do so for a Major League team.

Out of players that got at least 15 ABs this spring, Francisco was second in Batting Average with .362, only trailing Franklin Gutierrez who hit .395 but had 4 less ABs.

He also hit 3 homeruns and knocked in 9 runners.

Francisco should start the year in the outfield starting for Buffalo. Shin-Soo Choo who will be placed on the DL is out of options so unless something happens before he comes back, Francisco might not get a chance for awhile.