That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies Franchise History: Greatest Player to Wear Each Number

By George Stockburger

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 09: Former Philadelphia Phillies greats, Jim Bunning, Steve Carlton and Mike Schmidt were among many on hand to honor former manager Charlie Manuel who was to be inducted to the Phillies Wall of Fame during a ceremony before the start of a game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on August 9, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 09: Former Philadelphia Phillies greats, Jim Bunning, Steve Carlton and Mike Schmidt were among many on hand to honor former manager Charlie Manuel who was to be inducted to the Phillies Wall of Fame during a ceremony before the start of a game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on August 9, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 04: Maikel Franco #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws to first base for an out in the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on August 4, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /

. Maikel Franco. 7. team. 6. .

If this list were the greatest player in baseball history to wear number seven for the Phillies, Kenny Lofton would be a shoo-in for this. Unfortunately, Lofton only played one year, admittedly while still playing Hall of Fame caliber baseball.

When longevity and success come into play, the only player worth mentioning is Maikel Franco. Maybe a month ago those words wouldn’t have been said, but Franco appears to have found himself as a player. Hopefully, it’s for real after he’s given us these types of flashes for years.

It hasn’t been easy for Franco from day one as the organization’s top prospect coming up to play a position that hasn’t been filled since Scott Rolen.

After being benched by Gabe Kapler during the 2018 season Franco has erupted at the plate and been one of the hottest third basemen in baseball. He’s having fun playing the game again, and is on pace to set career highs across the board.

This season he’s on-pace to set career-highs in home runs and potentially batting average, just four points short of his .280 mark from 2015.

In just over 500 games for the Phillies Franco has hit .253 with 85 home runs. The numbers don’t blow you away, but with his current upward trend he could easily double that home run number in a couple of years.

This is all about projection with Franco, who the Phillies hope is a major piece of their future. If not, then the organization could be forced to look elsewhere very soon.

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