Prospect Notebook: Ben Francisco

Ben Francisco: Outfielder Age: 26
Bats/Throws: R/R
Acquired: Drafted 5th Round in 2002
2007 Buffalo: .318 AVG, 12 HR, 51 RBI, 28 SB, 22 SB, 60 R
2008 Team: Buffalo
ETA: 2008 5th Outfielder

Ben Francisco’s swing is short and quick and it’s filled with a lot of power. He isn’t a homerun hitter but he does have good power. He hits for average and doesn’t try to do too much with a pitch. His 2007 IL Batting Title is great evidence for all this. Defensively he can play any spot in the outfield, but because of Grady Sizemore in center and the arm of Franklin Gutierrez, Ben Francisco probably fits best in left field. Francisco probably shouldn’t be at Buffalo, but with the outfield situation as it is now, that is where he will start. He is as ready as you are going to get so don’t think he will spend the whole year at Buffalo. He can be one of those players in 2008 that the Indians had in 2007 that sparked the team. If Dellucci doesn’t demonstrate the consistency the Tribe is looking for, Ben will be the first guy up and ready to have his hand at it. Don’t think for a second either that he won’t deliver; Francisco is itching at the chance to play in the majors after multiple seasons at Buffalo.

Notes: IL(AAA) Post-Season All Star and IL Batting Champion in 2007, Hit walk-off home run in first Major League Start with the Indians, Teammate of Ryan Garko at Servite High School