Third-base prospect Franco learning to play first

READING - Third baseman Maikel Franco had never played first base on any level until moving over there last Saturday for double-A Reading. Franco is The Inquirer's No. 1-ranked prospect, and the Phillies said the move was simply to increase his versatility.

Before he suffered a hamstring injury, Cody Asche's play at third and his work at the plate had opened some eyes among Phillies officials.

"The kid we have up there now has played very well and it makes sense to move [Franco] over and see what he can do," said Joe Jordan, the Phillies' director of player development.

This is not to suggest that when the 21-year-old Franco is ready for full-time duty with the Phillies that he will play first. It's just another option.

So Franco has gotten time at first base, but also has continued to play third. For instance, in Thursday's 9-6 win over Richmond, he played both.

"He is still a third baseman, but we're finding out if he can do it [at first]," Reading manager Dusty Wathan said. "It is something that brings value to guys when they can play multiple positions."

The Phillies have Ryan Howard at first base and he is owed $75 million over the next three years, and $23 million in 2017, with a club option of $10 million. It is a difficult contract to trade, although nothing is impossible. If the Phillies wanted Asche, Franco, and Howard in the lineup, then Asche, who played second base at the University of Nebraska, would likely be the one to move positions.

As it is, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. earlier said that he could envision a spring training battle between Asche and Franco at third base.

There are many possibilities including trades, although the Phillies would have to be overwhelmed to depart with Franco or Asche at this point.

As for Franco, he never played first base before, but was eager to try.

"I understand why they move me to first base, because if you can play two positions it gives you more of a chance," Franco said. "When they asked me I said I would try and I would put a lot of work into it."

That is why Franco was spending 45 minutes to an hour before Reading even took the field in batting practice, working on the nuances of the position.

Franco said he has leaned on veteran first baseman Jim Murphy for advice. The toughest challenge, according to Franco, is when a ball is hit between first and second.

"When the ball is hit to right field, sometimes the second baseman will go for it and I will try to make the play," Franco said. "But it is something I am getting more comfortable with."

One place where Franco is comfortable is at the plate. Between Clearwater and Reading, he entered the weekend hitting .316 with 31 home runs, 102 RBIs, and a .922 on-base-plus-slugging percentage.

"He can really hit," said one scout, who has seen Franco on several occasions.

Franco also has a strong arm at third, and despite not having great foot speed, is an above-average defender.

Franco said that he will play both positions when he returns to the Dominican Republic for winter ball.

He will return with great confidence after dominating at both high A and now double A.

"I can't believe it," Franco said. "It has been an amazing year for my offense."