That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies: 10 keys to winning the National League East

By George Stockburger

CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 11: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to manager Gabe Kapler prior to a Grapefruit League spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Spectrum Field on March 11, 2019 in Clearwater, Florida. The Rays won 8-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 11: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to manager Gabe Kapler prior to a Grapefruit League spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Spectrum Field on March 11, 2019 in Clearwater, Florida. The Rays won 8-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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CLEARWATER, FL – FEBRUARY 19: Maikel Franco #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies poses for a photo during the Phillies’ photo day on February 19, 2019 at Carpenter Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FL – FEBRUARY 19: Maikel Franco #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies poses for a photo during the Phillies’ photo day on February 19, 2019 at Carpenter Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Maikel Franco needs to step up under less pressure

Maikel Franco went from the savior of the franchise to a bottom of the order bat fans have gotten tired of waiting for. Many have accepted that Franco, entering his sixth season, is what he is, a 25-home run hitter who won’t hit for great average.

That type of bat at a cheap price ($5.2 million) will be welcomed as the Phillies number seventh or eighth hitter in 2019. Franco no longer has to be “the guy” who hits cleanup cracking 40 home runs every season. There’s no longer the ghosts of Manny Machado or Mike Moustakas hanging over Franco.

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This season is an opportunity for the 26-year-old to prove he’s the everyday third baseman who can help bring a championship back to Philadelphia.

Hitting lower in the order not only takes pressure off Franco but it allows him to drive in a ton of runs. The possibility of Cesar Hernandez and/or Odubel Herrera hitting above him at the end of the lineup means RBIs galore for Franco.

Franco is the guy at third in 2019 and there’s no major competition coming his way. Last years first round pick Alec Bohm is entering his first full minor league season and is still a couple of years away from being called up.

While the pressure of no direct competition and a lower slot in the lineup is off Franco, he still (obviously) must perform to the standard he has set for himself over the last five seasons. Anything less will be a disappointment from the organization and fans.

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