Mets Make An Offer To Starting Pitcher Jeff Francis

Tracy Ringolsby FOX Sports is reporting that the Mets are making a play for former Rockies left handed starting pitcher, Jeff Francis.

Jeff Francis, who underwent shoulder surgery early in the 2009 season and wasn’t fully recovered in 2010, has been offered a chance to return to the Rockies, but it would be on a minor-league deal. The New York Mets have emerged as a strong contender for Francis, who they have offered a big-league contract and a legit shot at a spot in the rotation.

Francis turns 30 in January and has dealt with some major shoulder issues the last two seasons, but if healthy the talent is there. His velocity after his return from surgery was the same as pre surgery which is a good sign.

I think he’d be a good risk for the Mets and he shouldn’t cost them all that much though details of the offer have not emerged yet

He pitched 104 innings last season and was 4-6 with a 5.00 ERA. Don’t expect anything more than a back of the rotation type pitcher. He has a career WHIP of 1.43 and a 4.77 ERA, and his splits show that Coors Field had little to do with it as he has been equally bad on the road.