Seattle Mariners Rumors: Will Nick Franklin Make an Impact?
By Todd Pheifer
The rumor is that Nick Franklin will soon get called up by the Seattle Mariners. Will the real Nick Franklin please stand up?
At the beginning of the 2014 season, Franklin’s hit .125 in seven games as the young prospect only managed two hits in 16 at-bats before being sent to Triple-A Tacoma.
Not so good.
Since then, Franklin has hit .376 with seven home runs and 26 RBI. Franklin also has a .481 on-base percentage, as he has drawn 23 walks in 109 at-bats.
Much better.
Granted, players can have a very rough transition between the minors and the big stage. If Franklin is going to prove that he belongs on the 25-man roster, he must continue to swing a hot bat.
It is amazing how fast players can rise and fall. After a hot spring, Brad Miller has struggled mightily at the plate, hitting only .154 in the first seven weeks of the season.
Will Franklin play shortstop and replace Miller? Could Franklin become yet another former second baseman that must now navigate the outfield of Safeco Field?
Decisions, decisions. If Franklin does arrive in Seattle, Lloyd McClendon may put together some interesting lineups.
Defense is always a concern and there will be those who question whether Franklin should be playing outfield. That is arguably of lesser concern. The key question is still whether Franklin can hit consistently.
The Mariners need a hot, young bat. Wouldn’t it be crazy if the M’s actually had an exciting offensive threat that had come up through the system? Imagine that.
Time to prove your worth, Mr. Franklin. Again.