Julio Franco News

JUAN DALE BROWN juan.dale.brown@scripps.com Gulf Coast Mets Manager Julio Franco, coaching at third base, gives signals during a game against the GCL Nationals at Port St.

This isn't just a continuing education for Julio Franco, according to what he has been told.

Last year, Derek Lowe wore number 23 for the Dodgers. Hitting coach Don Mattingly , following one of baseball's unwritten rules that the players get first choice, went with number 8 instead, as a tribute to his old Yankees manager Yogi Berra .

SEEING STARS: The Gnats and their 680 fans got to see Pat Venditte, the only switch pitcher in baseball, as he came on with two out in the eighth to strike out left-handed hitting Sean Ratliff.

Or as cyclamatin' Francesspool said the other day..."Biggio and the HOF? You might as well put Jeff Kent in!" Looking back on Kenta TMs career from 1992 to 1997, there are a number of tantalizing what-if questions.

World Series MVP Cole Hamels left training camp Monday and flew to Philadelphia to have his left elbow examined by Phillies team physician Dr.

The Houston Astros and catcher Ivan Rodriguez are closing in on a $1.5 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the talks told The Associated Press on Monday.

Julio Franco expects his wealth of experience to help him as skipper. PORT ST. LUCIE - Julio Franco aimed to play baseball until he turned 50.

Former Indians player Julio Franco , 50, is joining the New York Mets - as a minor-league manager, not as a player.

Julio Franco is back with the Mets, this time as a minor league manager. Julio Franco is joining the New York Mets -- as a minor league manager, not a player.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Jose Valentin has hit for the cycle. He has broken up a no-hitter, and has been on a team that was no-hit. He has hit 3 home runs in a game, 30 in a season and 249 over a major league ...

In Omar Minaya 's four seasons as a general manager in New York, the Mets have recorded 83, 97, 88 and 89 victories.