Fragmentsofme
01-08-2004, 06:13 PM
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/atl/news/atl_news.jsp?ymd=20040108&content_id=626433&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
ATLANTA -- Julio Franco was the only Braves free agent to be offered arbitration back in early December, and it appears that the ageless wonder will likely be on Atlanta's Opening Day roster for 2004.
As previously agreed upon, Franco rejected the Braves' arbitration offer and has accepted a minor league deal with the understanding that barring any unforeseen events, he'll be on Atlanta's Opening Day roster.
If all goes as planned, Franco's Major League contract will net him approximately $750,000 this year, with bonuses included that could push that figure toward the $1 million mark.
Franco, who will turn 46 in August, has been with the Braves since the team signed him out of the Mexican League just before the final month of the 2001 season. With Atlanta the former American League batting champion has hit .290, with 14 homers and 72 RBIs.
"It doesn't matter how old I am, it's how young I feel," the still well-conditioned Franco often says when asked about his age.
Franco, who mentioned last year that he'd like to play until he is 50, will likely platoon at first base for a third consecutive full season. His hopes to one day be a Major League manager will be aided when he is asked to help develop 24-year-old rookie first baseman Adam LaRoche this year.
"Julio has enjoyed his time in Atlanta," said Chuck Berry, Franco's agent. "I think it's been a very good fit for both sides. The thought of being able to help [LaRoche] along, I think, appeals to him."
While platooning at first base with Robert Fick last year, Franco displayed a reliable glove, and in 197 at-bats he hit .294, with five homers and 31 RBIs.
Good, I liked Franco, and he'll help with LaRoche at first.
ATLANTA -- Julio Franco was the only Braves free agent to be offered arbitration back in early December, and it appears that the ageless wonder will likely be on Atlanta's Opening Day roster for 2004.
As previously agreed upon, Franco rejected the Braves' arbitration offer and has accepted a minor league deal with the understanding that barring any unforeseen events, he'll be on Atlanta's Opening Day roster.
If all goes as planned, Franco's Major League contract will net him approximately $750,000 this year, with bonuses included that could push that figure toward the $1 million mark.
Franco, who will turn 46 in August, has been with the Braves since the team signed him out of the Mexican League just before the final month of the 2001 season. With Atlanta the former American League batting champion has hit .290, with 14 homers and 72 RBIs.
"It doesn't matter how old I am, it's how young I feel," the still well-conditioned Franco often says when asked about his age.
Franco, who mentioned last year that he'd like to play until he is 50, will likely platoon at first base for a third consecutive full season. His hopes to one day be a Major League manager will be aided when he is asked to help develop 24-year-old rookie first baseman Adam LaRoche this year.
"Julio has enjoyed his time in Atlanta," said Chuck Berry, Franco's agent. "I think it's been a very good fit for both sides. The thought of being able to help [LaRoche] along, I think, appeals to him."
While platooning at first base with Robert Fick last year, Franco displayed a reliable glove, and in 197 at-bats he hit .294, with five homers and 31 RBIs.
Good, I liked Franco, and he'll help with LaRoche at first.