JeffW wrote:
It's also amazing in that Franco isn't just a pinch hitter -- in his 108 games this year he had 233 ABs.
Good point. Most hitters can play in their late 30s or early 40s only because of the DH rule. Barry Bonds probably could hit at least 800 HRs if he switches leagues.
When Orlando Cepeda played for the Red Sox on crippled knees at the end of his career, he'd hit the ball off the Green Monster, then practically walk to first. If the ball cleared the wall, he walked all the way home. With those limitations he still was a fair DH.
Franco is better with the glove than at least one first baseman still in the playoffs. Not a lot of power for a first baseman, no speed to compensate with on the basepaths, but a valuable part-time starter and steadying influence on a young team.