Jays Organization Player of the Day:
Paul Franko
Paul Franko was drafted twice by the Toronto Blue Jays as he was a draft and follow in 2003 and 2004 out of Scottsdale Community College in the 45th and 31st rounds. He was of great interest to the Jays though he apparently wasn't so impressive in the Juco ranks. To draft someone twice he probably was of great interest to the Jays and maybe we should take note of him?
Franko first made an impressive debut in rookie ball in 2005. He hit .301 with a .909 OPS. He would repeat the league a second year which I don't know why but I had though a while ago that they tried to move him to 3rd (original position out of JC) with disastrous results but that isn't listed anywhere anymore. His line of .230/.347/.304 was discouraging to say the least especially for a 22 year old going up against 18/19 year olds.
This season he was moved back to 1st with better results though nothing impressive at this moment. He start this season in Auburn to a .255/.377/.431 in 20 games. He has since been promoted to Lansing so it would seem that the Jays both like him and are going to rush him a little bit. His .279/.400/.488 is good right now but it's only in 13 games so take it with a grain of salt. He will be an intriguing player to watch with both how successful he is and how the Jays handle him.
Syracuse 5, Ottawa 4 (13 innings)
Allan James Burnett started the game and shined despite not factoring in on the decision. In 5 IP he struck out 7 giving up just 1 run. He walked 1 and had 3 hits against to pick up the JotG. Adams, Diaz and Vento each had 3 hits. Sergio Santos had the winning RBI.
Dunedin 11, Palm beach 3
Brandon Magee had his typical start, successful in the results but I would like to see him striking out more guys. Magee apparently throws in the 95MPH area and he's 6'5. He certainly seems to have major league stuff. It is worrisome how he'll be successful he'll be with his K rate likely lowered at higher levels. 6 IP with 2 ER and 2Ks isn't too bad though as I'm just rambling. As for the JotG goes I'll give it to Jesus Gonzales and Kyle Phillips. Gonzales was 2 for 4 with a 3-run home run and 4 RBI. Phillips was 2 for 2 with a double, 2 walks and 2 RBI. I really respect the getting on base all 4 trips to the plate.
Lansing 14, Peoria 1
Reidier Gonzalez had a solid night giving up 1ER in 7 innings with just 3Ks. He probably would get a more recognition from me if he worked on his 5.77 K rate. Being only 21 I'll take a flyer as he's been successful so far in A ball despite the low K rate. The Lugnut bats went to town on Peoria pitching as you can tell from the score. Snider had 2 hits and Campbell had a home run. The JotG goes to Paul Franko who went 4 for 5 with a home run, double 2 RBI and 3 runs scored.
Aurburn 9, Jamestown 4
Cecil left after pitching only 1 inning. Not sure what happened. The JotG goes to Manny Rodriguez who was 2 for 5 with a home run and 4 RBI.
GCL Yankees 8, GCL Jays 5
Since his debut Canadian Joel Collins has hit the cover off the ball. He is 21 so he's old for the league and should be promoted but he displays great plate discipline in addition to slugging 1.000 at the moment. We are going to have a nice list of catching prospects. Collins went 3 for 4 with a home and double for the JotG.