The Mets are giving Franco a two-year deal to lure him from the division rival Braves, for whom Franco has played since 2001.

Franco is expected to back up Carlos Delgado at first base and serve as a pinch-hitter off the bench. His deal also could include a position with the club when his playing career is over.

 

Franco has a past relationship with Mets general manager Omar Minaya and special assistant Sandy Johnson, both of whom were with Texas when Franco played for the Rangers from 1989 to '93.

 

Franco batted .275 for the Braves last season with nine home runs in 233 at-bats. He has played 21 years in the majors, and also has made stops in Japan, Mexico and Korea.

 

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5149296

How old would he be at the end of that deal?

How old would he be at the end of that deal?

i'm pretty sure "officially" he would be 49 or 50, but really who knows...

 

it's awesome to see him play though, with TBS I saw a good amount of Braves games, and the guy can still contribute

Jose Valentin AND Julio Franco on the same roster?

 

The other teams in the NL East should just concede now. That thing is over.

Wish the Braves would've kept him.

I believe he will be listed as 48 when that deal would end, which means he will actually be 58. It's amazing he's still a nice bench player.

I believe he will be listed as 48 when that deal would end, which means he will actually be 58.  It's amazing he's still a nice bench player.

 

He just turned 47 in august so he will be 49...

I remember watching Farnsworth face him when he was a Cub. Franco obviously can't turn on a fastball anymore. What does Farns do? Throws him fastballs away and Franco just drops the bat and ropes a double to the opposite field. Smart hitter given his limitations. Also proof what hard work and body maintenance can do

Julio has become one of my favorite players. The guy can still hit and he's very fun to watch.

Do the Mests sign friggin everyone. Did you see the list of guys they did not offer arbitration to.

How old would he be at the end of that deal?

 

 

About as old as Willie Randolph.

Jose Valentin AND Julio Franco on the same roster?

 

The other teams in the NL East should just concede now.  That thing is over.

 

 

... Jose Valentin ... anybody still miss our "team leader"???

... Jose Valentin ... anybody still miss our "team leader"???

 

That's right--Hoser led the team in E-6s and E-5s.

Does this deal include a rocking chair and blanket?