NEW YORK — Before Ubaldo Jimenez, before Jhoulys Chacin, there was Jeff Francis.
He was the Rockies’ next big thing, nicknamed “The Franchise” by jealous veteran players who plastered that above his locker in 2004. He lived up to the hype and type, peaking with a 17-win season in 2007, when he started the first game of every playoff series.
When he pitches tonight against the Mets, it will be a testament to his recovery from shoulder surgery and also another opportunity to prove he should remain with the Rockies. Francis has a $7.5 million club option for next season that’s unlikely to be exercised. But that doesn’t mean that Francis won’t return. The Rockies could bring him back on a new contract, something intriguing to Francis because he lives year-round in Denver.
“It’s something that you think about, but the reality is that it leaves your mind once you are in the game,” said Francis, who is 4-4 with a 4.67 ERA. “But there is something to be said for playing with the same team that you came up with. I don’t know what it would be like anywhere else.”
Francis’ future will be influenced in part by his finish. If he’s a competent member of the rotation over the final 50 games, it would be easy to see the Rockies re-signing him. If he struggles, all bets could be off. Manager Jim Tracy continues to see improvement despite the left-hander’s poor performance against the Pirates last week.
“He’s doing a better job of using both sides of the plate and he’s pitching inside better,” Tracy said. “That’s essential for him.”
Francis has long been a favorite of teammates because of how seriously he takes his craft. While on the disabled list last year, he didn’t miss a single home game.
“You know Jeff is going to keep the game close and give us a chance to win. That’s all you can ask for,” shortstop Troy Tulowitzki said.
Footnotes.
Huston Street missed Tuesday’s game after his wife, Lacey, gave birth to the couple’s first child, a son named Ripken Ray. Street is expected to return tonight. Multiple fans suggested he should have named the boy Blake. . . . Esmil Rogers will remain in the Rockies’ rotation, starting Saturday against the Brewers. Rogers earned the opportunity by beating the Pirates last weekend. . . . Aaron Cook has gone to Double-A Tulsa and will soon begin a rehab assignment. Tracy couldn’t guarantee that Cook would return to the rotation because it depends on the right-hander’s right big toe and how the other members are performing. . . . Carlos Gonzalez was a popular target for the New York media, and some fans at Citi Field even chanted “M-V-P!” when he finished batting practice Tuesday.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
