Phillies Reunion... 98 Miles South



The Orioles signed a familiar name on Tuesday to become their new 3rd baseman. Maikel Franco, the former Phillie and Royal, joins another onetime Citizens Bank Park regular Freddy Galvis on the left side of Baltimore's infield. 

Playing on low-price one-year deals, these once highly regarded prospects fit the Orioles' limited budget, while giving themselves a chance to raise their value. It won't be easy, as Baltimore profiles out as one of the weakest American League teams this season. On the other hand, calling hitter-friendly Camden Yards home can often make ordinary hitters look good.

Franco and Galvis were two of the young players the Phillies hoped would return the club to the top of the division after the previous core of Rollins, Utley and Howard went into decline. That didn't work out as planned.

One last thought, especially with the Orioles off-season acquisition Felix Hernandez leaving a game earlier in the week with an elbow issue... Might Baltimore have room for one more ex-Phillie? Last time I looked, pitcher Cole Hamels is still a free agent.


 

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