Colorado Rockies make one year deal with Jeff Francis official- MLB Update
The Colorado Rockies officially signed starting pitcher Jeff Francis on Wednesday for a one year deal. The pitcher will be receiving $1.5 million in salary and will have decent bonuses available on the basis of performance.
The 31-year-old has been previously associated with the Rockies when he played for them from 2004-10 and was also a part of the team in 2012. He spent the 2011 season with the Kansas City Royals.
Jeff is excited to be back with the Rockies and is looking forward to spring training.
"This is outstanding," Francis said. "Just think, I can start planning for spring training right now. I'm very excited about returning to Colorado."
The Rockies prior to signing Jeff, had three of their five opening rotation slots pencilled in with Jorge De La Rosa, Jhoulys Chacin and Juan Nicasio, all of whom had injury trouble in the 2012 season.
The last remaining spot will have a tight contest with players such as Tyler Chatwood, Drew Pomeranz and Christian Friedrich likely to fight it out.
Jeff had a lean 2012 season and posted a 6-7 win-loss record in 2012 with a 5.58 ERA. He understands that he has to improve upon his numbers and needs to control the flow of runs that he gives away to give a stronger performance.
"I would hope to be more consistent," he said. "I feel like I kind of had watershed moments in games last year — moments I didn't control like I wanted to. For example, I would give up a three-run homer, and instead of limiting it to just the three runs,
I would give up five or six.
The Colorado ball club may pursue another free agent pitcher and names of Freddy Garcia and Jeff Karstens are being taken. It would be a challenge for any pitcher not used to the conditions to adjust to the Coors Field. The high altitude of the ball park
makes it tough on pitchers.
Jeff is just excited to be back in the city where he grew up.
"I love the city, the fans, and this is the organization I grew up with. I'm really glad to be pitching for the Rockies again," Francis said.
Jeff Francis can prove to be a good re-signing as he has experience both in the Majors and the Coors Field. It is crucial that he utilises that experience to good effect during the 2013 season and help his team rebound from their worst to date in 2012.
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