BaLLooN NoT
King of this TROLL FREE Land!!!!!
USA
Posts: 19456
(5/30/03 8:41 pm)
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 WELCOME HOME JOHN FRANCO!!!
Notes: Franco activated
By Kevin Czerwinski / MLB.com
NEW YORK -- On the day the Mets bid farewell to one forty-something hurler they welcomed another back into the fold.
John Franco / P
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 185
Bats/Throws: L/L
More info:
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John Franco, 42, was activated off the disabled list prior to Friday's game, taking the roster spot created when David Cone, 40, announced his retirement earlier in the afternoon. Franco has not pitched in a Major League game since Sept. 29, 2001. He sat out all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on May 15, 2002.
"I would have liked the opportunity to pitch together but his hip just didn't react the way he wanted it to," Franco said.
Franco's surgically repaired elbow, however, has been holding up just fine. A strenuous offseason workout program followed by an equally intense Spring Training put Franco in position to go out on a Major League rehab assignment earlier this month. Three weeks of pitching for Class-A St. Lucie and Triple-A Norfolk did more than enough to show Franco and the Mets brass that he was ready to rejoin the team.
"I'm excited," said Franco, who has 998 career appearances and is second overall on the all-time save list with 422. "Once that [bullpen] phone rings, though, it's a little different. That's when you get the adrenaline rush. I just have to wait my turn because I know eventually it will come."
Franco says his velocity is about the same as it was before the surgery and that he was throwing his changeup -- his bread and butter pitch -- even harder during certain rehab outings. That's good news for Art Howe, whose bullpen has been overworked in recent weeks. Though Franco gives the Mets four lefties in the pen, Howe said he wouldn't be bashful about throwing the Mets captain right into the action against anyone, even righties.
"I'm really happy John is rejoining the club," Howe said. "His leadership in the pen is sorely needed. I know he can get right-handers out, too. I'm looking at him as a seventh-inning guy, a guy who will give us a stepping stone and maybe give [David] Weathers a breather."
The subject of Franco, who served as the team's closer for a decade, possibly closing games at some point this summer was also not ruled out.
"If Armando [Benitez] is not available, John is certainly someone I would consider," Howe said. "It also depends on how he has pitched. I don't think we can expect him to be dominant."
Franco, whose 272 saves as a Met remains tops on the club's all-time list, wouldn't take the bait when asked about closing again.
"If they need me for a game here or there, sure," Franco said. "Armando is our closer. If he needs a day off and they ask me, why not? It's not like we don't have a lot of experience down there."
Franco's experience and leadership has been evident throughout his rehab stint. He has spent the better part of the last 12 months with the club, working out with them and going on all of the road trips. He was at Shea Stadium five days a week during the offseason working out. But now he can add just a little bit more.
"He brings a different element," general manager Steve Phillips said. "You can lead as a guy on the bench or in the bullpen but when you have the chance to get out there and sweat, it has an impact on your words and it affects the people around you."
Watching Cone struggle to stay in the game, finally walking away gave Franco pause for thought. But he feels his situation is different, even if he is two years older than Cone.
"I still felt that I had a little left in the tank," Franco said. "I had one more year on my contract so I figured I would give it a shot and try and earn my money. I'm not one to back down from a challenge. I haven't decided what I'll do [next year]. When the season ends, I'll make that assessment."
Mike Piazza / C
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 215
Bats/Throws: R/R
More info:
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Injury update: Mike Piazza was at the park receiving treatment for his torn groin muscle on Friday but it remains unclear as to when he will return. "He's progressing but he's black and blue down his entire leg," Phillips said. "He said he's feeling better but he still has a way to go." ... Phillips was unaware whether reliever Soctt Strickland saw Dr. David Altchek on Friday to get a second opinion on the torn ligament in his right elbow. Strickland was hopeful of seeing Altchek Friday. If he couldn't, he would schedule an appointment for early next week. ... Roberto Alomar's hip flexor was well enough that he returned to the starting lineup after missing a pair of games. ... Mike Stanton [knee] was also expected to be available after receiving a cortisone shot on Tuesday.
This and that: The Mets clubhouse was closed prior to Friday's game for the second time in eight days because of mandatory drug testing. ... The Brooklyn Cyclones will have their welcome home dinner at Gargiulo's Restaurant in Brooklyn on June 13. Manager Tim Teufel and the entire Cyclones team will be on hand as will former Brooklyn Dodger greats Ralph Branca, Johnny Podres, Joe Pignatano and Carl Erskine. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling the Empire Events Group at 212-625-1025.
Kevin Czerwinski is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
 
O & A ALWAYS WIN IN THE END
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DKNJ1999
Reality TV Junkie
USA
Posts: 100
(6/1/03 8:47 am)
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Re: WELCOME HOME JOHN FRANCO!!!
Welcome back Johnny!
I have to admit I got a little teary eyed when I saw his reaction to the crowd's ovation. It was good to see the Captain back on the mound.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.---Herm Albright 
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