Frank Francisco News & Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

December 20

New York Post

"The Mets' biggest catch of the Winter Meetings became official yesterday. Frank Francisco is the team's new closer, after signing a two-year contract worth $12 million as part of the Mets' revitalized bullpen. The 32-year-old Francisco will join Jon Rauch and Ramon Ramirez as the new bullpen additions. The Mets' other addition at the Winter Meetings was outfielder Andres Torres, who arrived from the Giants with Ramirez in a trade for Angel Pagan. Francisco went 1-4 with a 3.55 ERA and 17 saves in 54 games for Toronto last season. He had a career-high 25 saves for Texas in 2009."

Mets sign closer Francisco, Rauch and trade Pagan

December 7

New York Post

"Summarizing just part of a wild night, the Mets traded with San Francisco, signed a Francisco and won't be reunited with Francisco (Rodriguez). The Mets' big splash, a two-year deal worth $12 million with closer Frank Francisco, completed a frenzy that won't overshadow Jose Reyes' departure to the Marlins for $106 million, but at least shows the Mets have a plan. Also coming to the Mets is free-agent reliever Jon Rauch, who signed a one-year deal worth $3.5 million. Gone is Pagan, whom the Mets dealt to San Francisco for reliever Ramon Ramirez and outfielder Andres Torres."

Jays' Francisco swears he was wrong

July 9

Toronto Sun

"It was a contrite and apologetic Frank Francisco that met with reporters in the Blue Jays dugout on Friday prior to the Jays-Indians game. The meeting stemmed from the night before following a bad outing by the Jays closer, who loaded the bases in the ninth without retiring an out, paving the way for the Indians' five-run comeback in a crushing 5-4 loss. Following the game, Francisco, who is highly emotional, hurled a few F-bombs at reporters before strolling towards the showers. The meeting Friday wasn't Francisco's idea but was set up by the Jays brass, who didn't think Francisco's outburst was much in the way of a class move. Still, Francisco's apology appeared to be genuine."

Jays in need of someone who can save the day

July 9

Toronto Star

"A day after a ninth-inning collapse, Blue Jays manager John Farrell is once again forced to rethink who will fill the closer role. Frank Francisco, who converted his club-leading 10th save Monday in Boston before getting shelled in Thursday's series opener here, is going to be given an opportunity to get more innings that are "not in a do-or-die situation," Farrell said. While that doesn't mean Francisco won't get any chances for a save, Farrell said he'll look to both Jon Rauch and Octavio Dotel for more of those opportunities."

Bullpen help a hot commodity

May 30

Foxsports.com

columnist Jon Paul Morosi

"Relief pitchers are viewed by many as the most volatile assets in baseball. That remains the case now, maybe more than ever before. And that is why relievers will again be among the most desired – and fickle – commodities at the trade deadline. Consider the turnover among the game's top closers. Twelve relievers finished with 36 or more saves during the 2009 season. A majority of them are no longer closing: Joe Nathan, David Aardsma and Jonathan Broxton are on disabled lists; Brian Fuentes, Ryan Franklin and Fernando Rodney have been demoted; and Trevor Hoffman has retired. As a result, some teams are entrusting less experienced relievers with key roles. Perhaps not coincidentally, big"

Francisco still the closer

May 26

Toronto Sun

"Frank Francisco remains the Blue Jays' closer of choice, but that designation may be up for review at a moment's notice. Francisco failed to hold a one-run lead for Ricky Romero in the ninth inning Tuesday. Manager John Farrell gave him an endorsement Wednesday, though it came across as somewhat lukewarm. "We haven't anointed anyone else," Farrell said, "yet we still have other options to close. Frank is still looked upon as a guy who will finish out games in the ninth inning. If availability or matchups prove otherwise, then we've got other options, that being (Octavio) Dotel, (Jason) Frasor or (Jon) Rauch." Farrell doesn't see velocity or pitch movement as a problem but Francisco's"

Bullpen blows it late, Jays fall to Yankees

May 25

Toronto Star

"Jose Bautista can't perform the miracle of the loaves and home runs every night. So every once in a while, the meek of the Earth (i.e. everyone else on the Toronto Blue Jays) are going to have to chip in. Bautista had one of his worst offensive outings of the season in New York on Tuesday night, going hitless with a strikeout. It marked only the third time in 40 games that he has failed to reach base. For a couple of hours, it seemed like the Jays might get away with it. No rings of fire. No holes in the sky. They entered the ninth with a lead. And then, a Pinstripe Apocalypse."

Francisco shares memories of mom

May 9

Toronto Sun

columnist Bob Elliott

"A successful closer needs to be able to throw strikes, have a fastball in the mid-90s, and a short memory. Blue Jays Frank Francisco has all of that, but on Mother's Day he had a long memory of his mother Vicenta, her tribulations, work ethic and sacrifices. Vicenta raised 10 children, eight of her own, plus two more from her husband's family in the Distrito Nacional area of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Vicenta would tell a 14-year-old Francisco how he had to be home by 9 p.m. "I'd be hanging out on the street corner with my friends, joking around and she'd come and grab me by the arm and take me home. It would really embarrass me in front of all my friends." And the next day?"

Emotions tug at Blue Jays' Francisco in return to Arlington

April 26

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Relief pitcher Frank Francisco said it was strange when the Toronto Blue Jays got into Arlington on Sunday night. "Last night when I was driving from the airport to here, I felt a little weird," he said. "I slapped myself. Was I going to cry? I loved it here. I had good times. I grew up here." Francisco made his first visit to The Ballpark in Arlington on Monday since the Rangers traded him to Toronto in January for Mike Napoli. Francisco said he had no hard feelings and was looking forward to the trip. He was also looking forward to getting his American League championship ring, which he received before the game. Francisco said he plans to wear the ring and hopes to add another ring to"

Frank Francisco makes himself at home in Texas

April 26

Toronto Star

"Jays reliever Frank Francisco was all smiles in his return to Arlington, where he spent six seasons. He was presented with his 2010 American League Championship Series ring in a ceremony prior to Monday night's game. For Francisco, it was his first game in Texas since joining the Jays in an off-season trade. During pre-game workouts he found himself on familiar ground. "I almost walked into their dugout to go to the dressing room," said Francisco. "I was about to go down the steps, then I said, wait a minute.""

Jays demote Jesse Litsch to make room for Frank Francisco

April 20

Toronto Star

"With Brandon Morrow set to rejoin the Blue Jays rotation on Thursday, either Jo-Jo Reyes or Jesse Litsch had to go. Unfortunately for Litsch, despite outperforming Reyes this season – 1-1, 3.63 ERA vs. 0-2, 6.75 ERA, there was one number stacked against his odds of remaining with the club as a starter. Unlike Reyes, the 26-year-old Litsch has minor league options left, which means that he can be demoted without being exposed to waiver claims. Now wanting to lose Reyes to another club, the Jays optioned Litsch to Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday to make room on the roster for closer-in-waiting Frank Francisco."

Jays demote Litsch; activate Francisco

April 19

TSN.ca

"The Blue Jays demoted starting pitcher Jesse Litsch on Tuesday, sending the 26-year-old right-hander to triple-A Las Vegas of the Pacific Coast League. To fill his spot on the roster, Toronto activated relief pitcher Frank Francisco from the 15-day disabled list. Litsch made three starts for the Blue Jays this season, with a 1-1 record and 3.63 ERA. He gave up seven earned runs in 17.1 innings, with seven walks and 16 strikeouts. He won a career-high 13 games in 2008, and owns a career record of 22-25 over parts of five seasons with the Blue Jays."

Opening Day in doubt for Blue Jays' Francisco

March 23

MLB.com

"Frank Francisco will likely miss the start of the regular season after being diagnosed with tightness in his right pectoral muscle and inflammation in his right biceps muscle. Francisco received the news after visiting Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. Dr. Andrews also confirmed an earlier report that there is no structural damage in the affected area, which potentially would have required surgery. That bit of good news means the 31-year-old Francisco is set to resume his rehab at the beginning of next week."

Frank Francisco set to visit Dr. James Andrews

March 21

MLB.com

"Frank Francisco is set to visit Dr. James Andrews early this week to receive a second opinion on his sore right pectoral muscle. Francisco initially had an MRI performed on Friday but the results came back clean. He felt some discomfort while throwing a bullpen session on Saturday, though, and the club is opting to send him for another examination. Toronto was hopeful that it would take place on Monday but there weren't any flights available to Birmingham, Alabama, where Andrews is based."

Jays' bullpen still up in the air

March 21

Toronto Star

columnist Richard Griffin

"The Jays bullpen is like a Rubik's Cube. Just when you think you've got it figured out on the one side, you turn it over and it's a rainbow mess. On Sunday, the twisting and turning and failure to match up continued, with Frank Francisco and Octavio Dotel remaining question marks, Jon Rauch the new closer-in-waiting and Marc Rzepczynski being added to the relief mix. While Dotel, battling lingering left hamstring woes, is slated to pitch in a minor-league game on Tuesday, Francisco will be flying to Birmingham, Alabama for a second opinion on his knotty right pectoral from famed orthopedist Dr. James Andrews. That seldom turns out well."

Jays' Francisco in doubt for opening day

March 20

The Globe and Mail

columnist Jeff Blair

"Frank Francisco's availability for Opening Day is in question more than ever after the Toronto Blue Jays closer experienced discomfort in the right pectoral area Saturday during a bullpen session. He will not make a scheduled minor league appearance Sunday. Francisco had an MRI on Friday that according to manager John Farrell was "completely sound, completely clean … no structural issues," but he will be re-evaluated Sunday. Jon Rauch would be the Blue Jays closer if the team broke camp this morning. "He (Francisco) felt relieved by the MRI, but when he gets on the angle of the mound and throws, that's where he feels it in the pec area," Farrell said before a 5-5, 10-inning tie with the"

No relief: Francisco, Dotel still hurting

March 20

Toronto Sun

"Another day and more bad news on the reliever front. Specifically, we're talking about the Blue Jays new closer Frank Francisco and veteran right-hander Octavio Dotel. Francisco threw a bullpen session on Saturday back at the Jays camp in Dunedin and afterwards said he still felt a knot and had some discomfort in the pec area of his right shoulder, so the plan to have him throw in a minor-league game on Monday was cancelled. "Again we have to continue to evaluate it day to day and hopefully opening day is still a possibility, but without anything definitive today we're still uncertain about it," manager John Farrell said. As for Dotel, he threw a bullpen session Saturday as well but still"

Jays bullpen losing depth quickly

March 16

Toronto Star

columnist Richard Griffin

"The fastest aging segment of the Jays' clubhouse demographic has become the bullpen, many of them signed or acquired this off-season. Sure, that balances nicely with a young starting rotation, but along with unflappable veteran savvy comes unpredictable veteran bodies and nagging injuries from overused parts. On Tuesday, manager John Farrell revealed two of his key relievers, Frank Francisco and Octavio Dotel may be iffy for opening day. Beware the Ides of March. Neither Francisco's 31-year-old right shoulder nor Dotel's 37-year-old left hamstring are considered serious issues in terms of carrying deep into the regular season, but with two weeks to go, each seems serious enough to threaten"

Sore Francisco 'no added concern''

March 14

Toronto Sun

"The Jays are downplaying any concern they have over the health of closer candidate Frank Francisco. The barrel-chested right-hander was supposed to throw an inning in Saturday's game against Pittsburgh but was a scratch after feeling something in his shoulder warming up. "When he was getting loose yesterday he felt like there was a pinching sensation or something that wasn't quite right in his mind," manager John Farrell said. "As he was getting close to getting fully hot for the game, he thought it was best to step out and not go through the one inning or work. "He went in and got checked by George Poulis (the Jays trainer) and felt fine, even to the point where he came out and threw"

Francisco's shoulder "getting looser"

February 23

Toronto Sun

"There's a fine line between an injured shoulder and one with normal springtime soreness. Blue Jay bullpen candidate Frank Francisco insists his is the latter. "I don't know if it's really sore," said Francisco, the favourite to win the closer's role with Toronto. "It's just adjusting to spring training. It's getting ready, getting looser. "It's just me. It's the way I start every year. It's me." Francisco had asked to slow things down on Monday and on Tuesday he threw on flat ground, more long toss than throwing. He'll do that for the next few days and is expected to go back to the mound on Thursday or Friday."

Frank Francisco easing into spring training

February 21

Toronto Sun

"Every pitcher likes to progress through spring training at his own pace and Frank Francisco, as a veteran, knows exactly when he has to be ready. "I'm trying to build my arm slowly right now," Francisco said Sunday. "I'm going to take my time and make sure I'm ready for opening day." On that subject, Francisco has asked the Jays brain trust if he can back off the general training schedule that has been mapped out. "We slowed Frankie down today," said manager John Farrell. "The one thing that we have to keep in mind, even though we have a schedule in place for everyone, we can adjust it for individual needs. "Frankie has been a guy who has always started spring training slow and has worked"

Four-way battle for closer's role on Jays

February 16

Toronto Sun

"With four relief candidates who have closed games in Blue Jay uniforms this spring, it could present an opportunity for the ultimate bullpen by committee. Manager John Farrell doesn't think so. "We'll use spring training to come out of camp and head north with an identified closer," he said Tuesday. "It not only serves that individual but it serves the rest of the bullpen well that they know what their role is once the season starts." Jon Rauch, Frank Francisco, Octavio Dotel and Jason Frasor have all been closers at various times in their careers. Between them, they have accumulated 220 career saves, led by Dotel's 105. One of them will serve in that role this year in the Toronto pen."

Francisco, Jays reach deal to avoid arbitration

January 30

MLB.com

"The Blue Jays avoided arbitration with right-hander Frank Francisco on Saturday by signing him to a one-year, $4 million contract. The 31-year-old Francisco went 6-4 with a 3.76 ERA and two saves last season in Texas. He was recently acquired by the Blue Jays in a trade for catcher Mike Napoli. Francisco becomes the early favorite to win the closer's job in Toronto. The Dominican native gained experience in that role with the Rangers in 2009 while going 2-3 with a 3.83 ERA and 25 saves. With the Blue Jays, he will also face competition from fellow right-handers Jon Rauch and Octavio Dotel in a heated battle."

Jays fans putting their faith in the future

January 29

Toronto Star

columnist Richard Griffin

"If the Jays were ever seeking direction for their State of the Franchise event on Thursday, in which they hosted 500 ticket holders at the Rogers Centre, they needed look no further than two days earlier when President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union to a skeptical American audience. Obama's message included the advice to stay positive, remain financially responsible and take control of the future — sounding the same basic message as the Jays' three-man panel of president Paul Beeston, GM Alex Anthopoulos and manager John Farrell, alongside Hall-of-Famer Roberto Alomar. Seated comfortably in lounge chairs atop the third-base dugout facing their inquisitors, it was Beeston and"

Jays' flip for Francisco a smart move for rebuilding squad

January 26

The Globe and Mail

columnist Jeff Blair

"Felipe Alou knew a thing or two about developing young starting pitchers and closers when he managed the Montreal Expos. Just ask John Wetteland or Pedro Martinez, for starters. Alou's Expos teams were a day late and a dollar short at the best of times, so when the value of a closer to a rebuilding team became a topic of discussion, he'd argue that nothing was worse for a young starting staff – "killing" was the word he used – than a blown save. In addition to managing pitch counts when you work with young starters, you also manage frustration. So it makes sense that Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos would flip Mike Napoli to the Texas Rangers for Frank Francisco as he"

Jays trade newcomer Napoli for Ranger reliever

January 26

Toronto Sun

"The Mike Napoli era in Blue Jays history ended abruptly Tuesday, with so many things left unsaid. Things like, "Hello." After some 72 hours as part of the Blue Jays family, Napoli was flipped to the Texas Rangers for reliever Frankie Francisco and cash, believed to be under $1 million. Francisco will join a spirited competition for the closer role in a bullpen that has been virtually rebuilt from the ground up this winter. Octavio Dotel, John Rauch and Jason Frasor all have closing experience but Francisco might be the best of the bunch. He saved 25 games two years ago for the Rangers. "He's a guy we've tried to get multiple times," said GM Alex Anthopoulos. "He's a power arm with great"

Blue Jays deal Napoli to Rangers for reliever Francisco

January 26

Toronto Star

"The Blue Jays and their young GM Alex Anthopoulos continued to wheel and deal Tuesday, shipping Mike Napoli, the power-hitting catcher/first baseman obtained in the Vernon Wells trade, to Texas for potential bullpen ace Frank Francisco. Francisco, the 31-year-old right-hander from the Dominican Republic, was replaced as the Rangers' closer in the opening series of 2010 against the Jays by eventual AL rookie of the year Neftali Feliz. Francisco was headed to arbitration, as was Napoli. The acquisition of Francisco, who saved 25 games for the Rangers in 2009, gives the already crowded Jays bullpen an ultra-competitive look heading to spring training. The Jays earlier signed right-handers"

Rangers trade Frank Francisco to Toronto for veteran C-1B Mike Napoli

January 25

Dallas Morning News

"The Rangers announced Tuesday that they have acquired catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for pitcher Frank Francisco and cash considerations. SportsDayDFW's Evan Grant says Napoli has a lot of power, but is not considered a great defensive catcher. Grant added that Napoli could provide protection in case first baseman Mitch Moreland struggles against lefties and could also be used as a third catcher. If DH Michael Young has to move into the field to play a position, Napoli could then be the DH. According to a Rangers press release, the 29-year-old Napoli had been acquired by Toronto on January 21 along with outfielder Juan Rivera in a trade that sent"

Frank Francisco accepts arbitration

December 1

ESPN.com

"Reliever Frank Francisco accepted his arbitration offer Tuesday and will return to the Texas Rangers in 2011. As expected, starter Cliff Lee turned down his arbitration offer to become a free agent. The Rangers would get a first-round draft pick and a supplemental pick in the 2011 draft if Lee signs with another club. The Rangers and Francisco still have to work out the details of a new contract."

Francisco likely to accept arbitration from Rangers

November 29

Foxsports.com

(scroll down)

"Free-agent right-hander Frank Francisco is likely to accept the Rangers' offer of salary arbitration, giving the team additional late-inning relief options, major-league sources say. Francisco, 31, is a Type A free agent. By accepting arbitration, he'd opt for a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with a near-certain raise from his 2010 salary of $3.265 million. Other teams have shown interest in Francisco as a closer. However, in recent years, clubs have been reluctant to surrender a high draft pick for Type A relievers who aren't established ninth-inning specialists. Of the 14 Type A free agents offered arbitration, right-handers Jason Frasor and Grant Balfour are the most similar to"

Rangers offer arbitration to Cliff Lee, Frank Francisco

November 24

Dallas Morning News

"The Rangers expect right-hander Frank Francisco to accept their offer of salary arbitration, which they also extended to left-hander Cliff Lee but not to Vladimir Guerrero and Bengie Molina. Lee, the top prize on the free-agent market, will decline arbitration by the Nov. 30 deadline as he pursues a nine-figure, multiyear deal. General manager Jon Daniels declined to comment if the Rangers have made progress with Lee."

Rangers reach first World Series, end Yankees reign

October 23

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"High above Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, on a night when rain threatened to spoil the biggest night in Texas Rangers history, a breeze from the south blew steadily. The flags atop the home-run porch in right field were waving proudly late Friday, including the rookie of the bunch. It reads: 2010 American League Champions. The Rangers will play in the World Series for the first time in franchise history after closing out the AL Championship Series in Game 6 on Friday night with a 6-1 victory over the mighty New York Yankees. Colby Lewis allowed only a run on three hits in eight innings, and Vladimir Guerrero and Nelson Cruz came up big with two outs in a four-run fifth to help the Rangers"

Francisco not expected to return

October 18

MLB.com

"Rangers reliever Frank Francisco threw 20 pitches on the mound without any pain on Sunday afternoon, but team officials still don't expect him to be activated if the team advances to the World Series. Francisco has been on the disabled list since Aug. 28 because of a strained muscle in his right rib cage. Francisco, who was 6-4 with a 3.76 ERA in 52 2/3 innings, was the Rangers' eighth-inning reliever for most of the season. Asked he could play if the Rangers advanced to the next round, Francisco said, "I don't want to put that in my mind. I want to take it step by step.""

Francisco hopes for playoff miracle

September 28

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington said it would take a miracle for right-hander Frank Francisco to be ready in time to make the team's playoff roster.Francisco is a believer in miracles.He'll throw his first bullpen session today since he went on the disabled list Aug. 28 with a strain in his right latissimus dorsi muscle. Francisco plans on doing everything he can to make sure the miracle remains a possibility."This is my dream," he said. "This is everything I've been waiting for. I think it's every ballplayer or pitcher's dream to be a part of it. I definitely want to be a part of it. I don't want to miss it."Francisco didn't throw Monday after throwing off flat ground Sunday. He"

Frank Francisco's return doubtful for ALDS series

September 28

Dallas Morning News

"Manager Ron Washington said it would take a miracle for right-hander Frank Francisco to be ready in time to make the team's ALDS roster, but Francisco believes in miracles. The reliever today will throw his first bullpen session since he went on the disabled list Aug. 28 with a strain in his right latissimus dorsi muscle. Francisco plans on doing everything he can to get healthy. "This is my dream," he said. "This is everything I've been waiting for. I think it's every ballplayer or pitcher's dream to be a part of it. I definitely want to be a part of it. I don't want to miss it.""

Rangers' Francisco has pain-free throwing session

September 22

Dallas Morning News

"ight-hander Frank Francisco didn't feel any pain as he threw on flat ground for the first time since Aug. 27, when pulled his latissimus dorsi muscle on his right side and land on the disabled list a day later. He made 25 throws at 60 to 65 feet. He said he would throw again today, though Washington suggested that Francisco would have a day off. Either way, Francisco was optimistic that he would be throwing off a mound by late next week and a candidate for the postseason roster."

Throwing session pushed back for Rangers' Frank Francisco

September 21

Dallas Morning News

"Right-hander Frank Francisco thought he was going to throw Monday for the first time since he was injured Aug. 28. The Rangers' medical staff, though, determined he should wait one more day. Francisco, on the disabled list with a muscle strain on his right side, is scheduled to throw today at Angel Stadium."

Rangers will be patient with injured Francisco

August 30

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"The Texas Rangers want right-handed reliever Frank Francisco fully healthy if the team makes it to the playoffs. As the primary setup man this season, Francisco has been a valuable asset.And the Rangers will be cautious in dealing with Francisco's latest setback. He headed to the disabled list Saturday with a strained right latissimus dorsi muscle in his back."I don't know when I'll be back," said Francisco, who has a 2.13 ERA since the All-Star break. "They told me to take my time so I can be ready for the postseason."Francisco does not have a timetable, but will stay in Texas this week to receive treatment.Even if, for some reason, Francisco isn't able to return this season, the Rangers"

Rangers reliever Francisco sorely missed

August 29

Dallas Morning News

columnist Evan Grant

"Bullpens are the most delicate of baseball ecosystems. Remove one piece – any piece – and you run the risk of having a whole season collapse like a tower from Jenga, the wood-block building game. And, in the event a team reaches the playoffs, the bullpen's role becomes more magnified than any other aspect of the roster. Which is why the big news for the Rangers on Saturday was not the result in a lackluster 5-0 loss to Oakland, but the results of an MRI exam on reliever Frank Francisco . The exam revealed inflammation in the latissimus dorsi muscle, the broad back muscle that extends to the side and is responsible for extension. Francisco was placed on the 15-day disabled list, and there"

Despite bad stretch, Rangers closer Francisco never lost confidence

June 6

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Frank Francisco left spring training as the Texas Rangers' closer. Less than a week into the season and after a couple of blown saves, the right-hander was pulled from that role.But Francisco has regained his form over the past month. Francisco has 12 straight scoreless outings, allowing only six hits and striking out 21 over 12 innings.Francisco said he has better velocity on his fastball and better command of his breaking ball now, compared to the start of the season."I never panicked," Francisco said. "I've always trusted myself. I'm doing nothing different, I'm the same guy."Neftali Feliz replaced Francisco in the closer's role after Francisco blew consecutive save opportunities in the"

Francisco lights-out since fixing delivery flaw

May 3

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Frank Francisco probably didn't want to revisit his second and third outings of the season, which resulted in two blown saves that cost him his job as Rangers closer.But he had to confront those outings on video to discover what was behind his woes, comparing his early-season delivery to what he had done the previous two seasons.He found a flaw, collapsing on his back side, and believes he has corrected it. His numbers since Week 1 suggest he's on the right track, and the Rangers' liberal use of him of lately suggests they think he is an asset again."It seems like it," Francisco said. "In the beginning after I pitched a couple of games, I don't think I was ready. Even after I started doing"

After six scoreless outings, Frank Francisco's ERA takes a 20 point drop

May 3

Dallas Morning News

"Frank Francisco probably didn't want to revisit his second and third outings of the season, which resulted in two blown saves that cost him his job as Rangers closer. But he had to confront those outings on video to discover what was behind his woes, comparing his early-season delivery to what he had done the previous two seasons. He found a flaw, collapsing on his back side, and believes he has corrected it. His numbers suggest he's on the right track, and the Rangers' liberal use of him of lately suggests they think he is an asset again. "It seems like it," Francisco said. "In the beginning after I pitched a couple of games, I don't think I was ready. Even after I starting doing better,"

Frank Francisco willing to fill any role for Texas Rangers

April 29

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"The biggest difference between the Frank Francisco who's been pitching well for the Rangers recently and the one who lost the closer's role earlier this season?"I just got my rhythm back," Francisco said.The rhythm that eluded Francisco when his fastball was finding too much of the plate has returned, and so have the solid results.In his last seven outings, Francisco has a 1.29 ERA and has been able to work on the corners of the strike zone. Opponents during that time are hitting just .130 and he's managed to lower his ERA from 27.00 to 7.00."

After rough start to season, Frank Francisco returning to top form

April 29

Dallas Morning News

"The rhythm that eluded Frank Francisco during the first week of the season has returned, and so have the solid results. After he blew two save opportunities and was replaced as closer by Neftali Feliz, Francisco has sparkled. In his last seven outings, Francisco has a 1.29 ERA and has worked on the corners of the strike zone. Opponents during that time are hitting just .130, and he's lowered his ERA from 27.00 to 7.00. He earned his first save Tuesday when Feliz was unable to pitch after working in back-to-back games. Manager Ron Washington said Feliz is still the team's closer, but more opportunities are likely for Francisco as long as he continues to pitch well."

Ron Washington says Neftali Feliz remains Rangers closer

April 28

Dallas Morning News

"After Frank Francisco picked up Tuesday's save with a 10-pitch ninth inning, Rangers manager Ron Washington quickly sought to dispel any controversy over who the Rangers' closer would be. Washington was asked directly: "Who is your closer?" "Neftali Feliz," Washington responded. Then, he hedged slightly. "But that doesn't mean that Frankie isn't going to get some chances in the ninth inning," Washington said. "Because he will.""

Struggling Francisco not up to superhero status for Texas Rangers

April 12

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"A good major-league closer has to be, in a way, like a superhero.Fearless. Dauntless. Able to leap over tall buildings in a single bound.In his heart, Frank Francisco still believes he can be that kind of bullpen closer. Someone the Texas Rangers can count upon, whether it's April or October.The problem is, Frankie hasn't been answering the Bat Signal. And on Sunday, manager Ron Washington announced that the team's new closer is Neftali Feliz, a Boy Wonder in his own right.Francisco will be moved to non-pressure situations "just to get himself together," Washington announced.On Thursday afternoon, Francisco was handed a 1-0 lead against the Toronto Blue Jays, but couldn't secure the final"

Until further notice, Neftali Feliz is the Texas Rangers closer

April 12

Dallas Morning News

"The Rangers are officially turning the ninth inning into "Happy Hour." Or, as they would say in Spanish: "La Hora Feliz." Manager Ron Washington said Sunday morning that Neftali Feliz would replace struggling Frank Francisco as the Rangers' closer for the time being. The intent, Washington said, is for Francisco to fix whatever flaw has limited his velocity and ruined his location. "We need to give him some time to get things together," Washington said. "There is no way we can get through this year and do what we want to do without Frankie Francisco. Frankie will be the closer for the Texas Rangers." In reality, though, the job is likely lost until Feliz proves he can't do it."

Mariners chase Francisco, edge Rangers

April 11

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Frank Francisco blew his second straight save chance to start the season, allowing three runs in the ninth inning as the Seattle Mariners rallied to a 4-3 victory over the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Matt Harrison allowed one run in six innings, and Nelson Cruz homered again to put the Rangers on the verge of beating Feliz Hernandez and sending Seattle to a 1-5 start to the season. The Rangers almost got something going in the ninth, but Franklin Gutierrez leaped to possibly take a home run away from Elvis Andrus near the Rangers' bullpen in right-center field. Gutierrez had the game-winning hit in the top of the inning. Francisco, called upon to preserve a 3-1 lead,"

Rangers' Francisco ready to reap benefits of hard work

March 30

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Frank Francisco didn't have the type of résumé last spring to inspire the utmost confidence that he would succeed as the Texas Rangers' closer.With only six weeks' experience in the role, with an accomplished late-innings specialist only a false step away and without a full major-league season under his belt, Francisco had the support of only his coaches and teammates when the 2009 season opened.Francisco, though, said his mind was at ease.He had come to camp backed by his most intense off-season to date, and 12 straight save conversions to start the season and 25 overall reinforced the notion that hard work pays dividends later.That philosophy is fueling a quiet and productive spring this"