Francisco continues to struggle
Frank Francisco #48 of the New York Mets pitches during a preseason game against the Washington Nationals. (March 5, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
JUPITER, Fla. -- If Frank Francisco had been forced to audition for the closer's job, he would have flunked it by now. Francisco, signed to a two-year, $12-million contract during the offseason, had another rough afternoon Saturday at Roger Dean Stadium, where he allowed five hits and two runs in two innings in the Mets' 6-5 loss to the Marlins.
Francisco has a 5.54 ERA in 11 games, allowing 18 hits in 13 innings with seven strikeouts and four walks. Jon Rauch and Ramon Ramirez -- the other two offseason acquisitions for the bullpen -- haven't looked all that much better. But if Francisco, who is scheduled for one more appearance Monday, looks like this during the regular season, he won't own the closer's role for very long.
"He's one of those veteran guys that I've had probably five or six people in the last week say don't get caught up in what he does in spring training," manager Terry Collins said. "He does it every spring. He steps it up when the big lights come on."
