Categories: ArbitrationNewsPosts

Phillies, Francisco Agree to Deal, Avoid Arbitration

The Phillies and outfielder Ben Francisco have agreed to a $1.175 million contract for the 2011 season, avoiding an arbitration hearing in the process.

Francisco hit .268/.327/.441 in 197 PA in 2010, and has a .272/.323/.471 line in 301 Philly PA since coming over with Cliff Lee from the Indians in July 2009. He is arbitration-eligible for the first time in 2011, and his signing leaves Kyle Kendrick as the lone unsigned arb-eligible player. Francisco figures to see a bump in playing time this season, being a right-handed complement to both Raul Ibanez and top prospect Domonic Brown in left and right field, respectively.

Paul Boye

Paul joined Phillies Nation in January 2010 after moving over from his old blog, The Phrontiersman. What began as a desire to enter the world of sportscasting has gradually evolved into a passion for scouting baseball players; Paul will be working for Baseball Info Solutions during the 2010 season doing just that. He brings some views and opinions that are off the beaten path, yet has a great affinity for stats of all shapes and sizes. He is a firm believer that Chase Utley is The Man, Mike Schmidt is the greatest Phillie ever and Harry Kalas was the voice of God. You can catch his frequent stat and tidbit posting on Twitter.