Top five storylines of Phillies spring training so far this year
By John Town
Carlos Santana-Maikel Franco buddy comedy
The Phillies intentionally placed Maikel Franco’s locker next to Carlos Santana’s, the $60 million man this offseason. The team wanted Santana to take Franco under his wing this spring, and he has done just that: [quote via Matt Breen of Philly.com]
"“It is basically one thing and one thing only, and that is to work every single day. We’re going to work together every single day,” Santana said. “We’re going to make sure he executes the plan he wants to follow. I know he’s a guy that’s very talented and he’s capable of a lot. So I’m going to be there. I’m committed to helping him. I’m going to be in the cage, hitting as many balls as possible. “He already told me today that he wants to follow me everywhere he goes. If I have to go to the cage he’s going to go with me to hit some balls. He’s committed and I’m committed, too.”"
This is the second spring in a row Franco is coming in looking to make a bounceback. Last spring, the club hoped veterans Michael Saunders and Howie Kendrick could help Franco improve at the plate. We saw how that turned out. Now it is Santana hoping to help Franco return to rookie form.
Manager Gabe Kapler told Breen that he sees Santana’s plate discipline ability in Franco. Kapler hopes that Franco and the rest of the team can learn from Santana this season.