Minor transactions: Phils sign RP Nelson, 2B Francia

Right-handed reliever Bubba Nelson and second baseman Juan Francia will provide farm depth. Francia is listed on Ottawa’s Triple-A roster, and Nelson could pitch from the pen in Ottawa or Reading.

Nelson, a former second-round pick of the Braves in 2000, holds a career 43-49 record and 3.67 ERA over seven minor league seasons. The 25-year-old righty was part of the Chris Reitsma deal of 2004, which landed him in the Cincinnati organization.

It was all downhill from there. He was arrested for DUI in February of 2005, struggled through a hip injury and was eventually released. He signed a minor league contract with San Diego before 2006 and went 5-7 with a 3.84 ERA for Double-A Mobile, becoming a free agent after the season.

At one point, he was considered a sleeper candidate for a spot in Atlanta’s rotation, but it never materialized. In an archived Baseball America chat from 2003, the Braves farm analyst called him "a stud." (If I had a nickel for every Atlanta "stud" prospect, rotting away in the minors somewhere ...)

Francia is a speed demon, and Scout.com calls him the classic slap hitter. In seven seasons, all with Detroit, the 25-year-old switch-hitter has a grand total eight homers and a career .333 SLG, but also an impressive 233 stolen bags. Other positives: He makes contact, has the potential to hit for average, doesn’t strike out and will be useful as speed or defense off the bench for any affiliate. He split time last season between Lakeland (High-A) and Erie (AA). Baseball Cube has him listed at 5-9, 145, which might make him the smallest player in the organization.

Comments

[jack]

I think this is a great pick up. I like how the Phillies are finding lots of Minor league players and I'm betting as they are, one of them will rise to the ocassion.

[yt]

I don’t know if that is sarcasm or unbridled optimism Jack, but I tend to doubt that guys that will be making an impact in MLB are being signed to minor league deals late February.

This is administrative work plain and simple.

[joe]

Jason, I gotta disagree with your last statement: Fabio is smaller.

[AWH]

joe, Fabio is shorter, but heavier. Are we talking height or weight?

[dajafi]

Are we sure the outfielder isn't Ricky Otero with doctored ID?

Meanwhile, this Nelson has struck out 152 batters in 151.1 IP over the last two seasons (thanks, Baseball Cube). At 25, seems like a flyer worth taking.

[ae]

I noticed that too, dajafi...seems kind of odd how his K rate suddenly shot up in the last two seasons. I'm guessing that's it's either due to being moved into the bullpen full-time or (probably more likely) going down to AA ball at age 24/25.

[Alby]

Or learning a new pitch. That's the sort of thing stats alone can't tell you.

[Bob D]

Francia sounds better than No-hit Nunez. I wonder if he can play SS & 3B?

[Tim]

at least this filler is younger than some of the other guys.

[GM-Carson]

145 pounds...holy hell that's nearly 100 less than me. that's small!

[GM-Carson]

I've said this before, and I'll say it again, I think the Phils should sign Bernie Williams to a 1 year 1 million dollar deal.

He'd be a great 5th outfielder. His defense isn't too good, but the man can still hit. I'd rather have him pinch-hitting and spot starting than Karim Garcia or Chris Roberson. And let's not forget, it's been 2 seasons since Jayson Werth last played MLB.

He's a switch hitter to boot.

[AWH]

Carson, I lke BW too. But he's made it clear he's only interested in playing for the Yankees. I'll bet anything that Gillick has inquired of Boras already. He wouldn't miss that.

[AWH]

BTW, JRoll threw down the guantlet again. Gotta like the attitude.

If you're afraid I don't want you on this team" ......about time!

[GM-Carson]

I know some wish Jimmy would shut his trap, but I like these things that he's saying. I know the game is played on the field, but showing some confidence to the world isn't a bad thing.

[GM-Carson]

I know some wish Jimmy would shut his trap, but I like these things that he's saying. I know the game is played on the field, but showing some confidence to the world isn't a bad thing.

[J. Weitzel]

Bubba Nelson was featured prominently in the "anti-Moneyball" book "Scout's Honor," which touted the Braves front office and the virtues of scouting. (Hat tip to the senior correspondent).

[ldfjbud]

ldfjbud

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