Cincinnati Reds’ Jeff Francis ready to make an impression – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds’ non-roster invitee Jeff Francis said on Monday, February 27, that he has come to see what he can do for the team. The left-handed starter with whom the Cincinnati Reds have recently signed a contract has become a part of the team at
a time when it was least expected.
The Reds are not short of any pitcher this season; thanks to the availability of adequate number of throwers in the required positions. From the starters to the closers, the Reds are sufficiently equipped with six effective pitchers.
It is for this reason that extending a contract offer to Francis came as a surprise to a lot of observers. On Monday when he was asked about it, Francis did not really have a clear idea as to what prompted the Reds to call him.
"I don't know if it was anything in particular. I think it was more the idea that they were really interested in having me for this role and to come to Spring Training," Francis said on Monday. "I've come in to see what I can do and hopefully I can help
this team."
But Francis has a history of injuries. While the minor ones occasionally consigned him to the disabled-list, he had one of the most painful experiences in 2009 when the left shoulder injury rendered him unable to appear even in a single game.
Back then, Francis was a regular part of Colorado Rockies. Although he took the whole year in 2009 to recover, he has since then felt quite better.
"It's been three years since the surgery," Francis said. "I think I've done the things I can do to make sure I am strong and can last the whole year. I feel like I can be successful and get people out."
In the 181 games that he has played in the career, he has had 180 starts, winning 61 of those games and losing 66 other with 4.78 ERA in 1065.2 innings. The past season saw him win six games and lose 16 others in the total of 31 games that he played with
a 4.82 ERA.
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