Julio Franco batting in the cleanup spot

[japetus462]

Tonight for the Braves, he was hitting cleanup! Before the game he was interviewed, and said he was playing until 50. Looks like he will be the final RBI'er.

I think we should send a trophy to the last one from the Tengen League.

[Gantry]

I truly believe that Franco will be playing until his 50th.  If he continues to hit .300 every year why not? 

[Nails]

He's still getting the uniform dirty too.  Check out the first two videos under multimedia on the right:  Julio at mlb.com.   Not bad for an old man.  Although most 1st basemen probably wouldn't have to dive for a few of those...but he's getting the job done.

[Gantry]

I'd say those are legit dives, especially the second one.  Not bad for a 46 year-old either way...

How suspect of a fielder is Franco?  You think at some point he'll be a DH on an AL team?

[Nails]

He seems fairly solid as a 1st baseman to me.   I don't think his range is what it used to be, but I see him play a decent amount (Mets/Braves games), and it seems he's always making a good dive or scooping up errant throws.  Haven't checked his actual fielding percentage or error counts. I'd say he's probably servicable for another couple years.   The Braves seem to very pleased with his performance, so as long as he can keep up his game, I think there's a shot they'd hold on to him.  He's definitely been an effective pinch hitter against the Mets, from what I've seen.  If he did become a DH, it would probably be a very limited role, as he's doing now.

[CecilFielder]

We call him "High Hands Julio"  or just "High Hands"

[Nails]

Julio made another start tonight at first, batting cleanup.   He's 3-4 with an opposite field HR, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, bringing his season average up to .273.