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New York Yankees: Ben Francisco Signs with Bombers as Potential Outfield Depth

March 11, 2013   ·     ·   Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees

The New York Yankees made another veteran addition to a team already full of veterans.

According to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News, the Yankees have signed veteran outfielder Ben Francisco:

The deal is a minor league one and he will report to the team down in Tampa on Tuesday.

Francisco was released by the Cleveland Indians on Monday, which put him on the market as a free agent, and the Yankees acted quickly to sign the 31-year-old.

In 2012, Francisco played with the Blue Jays, Astros and Rays and hit .240 with four home runs and 15 RBI in 82 games.

Francisco once had some promise as a prospect with the Cleveland Indians and was part of the deal back in July of 2009 that sent him and Cliff Lee to the Phillies at the trade deadline.

Some Yankee fans might remember Francisco from when he played against the Yankees in the 2009 World Series, serving as a left fielder and a DH.

His best season of his career was back in 2008, hitting .266 with 15 home runs and 54 RBI in 121 games for the Indians, his first full season in the majors.

At camp with the Yankees, he will compete with veterans Matt Diaz and rookies Ronnier Mustelier and Melky Mesa for a potential spot on the Yankees.

If he does make the team, Francisco might be nothing more than a fourth or fifth outfielder who could get into the game as a defensive replacement and pinch-hit against left-handers.

Not a very exciting move here by the Yankees, but it’s another name that has the potential to help as outfield depth.

At best, he might be able to challenge and push Diaz, who is having a lackluster spring with the Bombers thus far.

If anything, it gives Francisco an opportunity to make a major league team if he can play well in the spring.

Stay tuned, Yankees Universe.

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