Is Ben Fran Next in Line?

Quick thought tonight as I watch the tournament and the first ever match for the Philadelphia Union.

The Phillies have to like what they have in Ben Francisco.  Do they seem him as the successor to Jayson Werth and/or Raul Ibanez? I think we could very well be seeing this guy as a starter in the next year or so.

Of course, it’s too early to tell what will happen and playing Nostradamus was never my strong suit, but Francisco fits this lineup well.  The 28-year old has only been in the league for three seasons, so he’s young in the sense that he’s not had much major league experience.

His 14 steals with just 455 plate appearances proves he has some wheels. In his first two full season, he’s ripped 15 home runs per year.  Don’t expect 30-plus, but his peripheral numbers appear very Jayson Werth-esque at the beginning of his career. I also like the defensive ability Francisco brings, and we should certainly see more of him this year as he gives Ibanez a breather.

Werth had the same late start (due to injuries) as Ben Fran and blossomed as he neared 30.  Could we be in for the same with Francisco?  Something to think about while many ponder the future of Jayson Werth.