Yankees Sign Outfielder Ben Francisco To Minor League Contract
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Yankees didn't make a splash -- albeit a ridiculous splash -- by signing Derrek Lee, Chipper Jones or Scott Rolen on Monday, but they did make a transaction before the afternoon was over.
New York signed outfielder Ben Francisco to a minor league contract just hours after he was released by the Indians.
General manager Brian Cashman said that the Yankees had interest in the 31-year-old this winter, according to WFAN's Sweeny Murti.
Though the Yankees' main concern at the moment seems to be filling Mark Teixeira's spot at first base -- or third base if Kevin Youkilis takes over at first -- the outfield is also shorthanded with Curtis Granderson expected to be out until May.
The right-handed hitter has played all three outfield positions in his six-year career, though he's predominantly played right field and center field.
Francisco was hot as can be this spring prior to being released, going 8-for-20 with six doubles. He played a combined 82 games for the Blue Jays, Astros and Rays in 2012, batting .240 with four home runs and 15 RBIs.
The California native made his big league debut in 2007 for the Indians before being traded to the Phillies in 2009.
The Yankees expect the outfielder to arrive at the club's spring training complex on Wednesday, Murti reported.
Not the splash that Yankees fans we're hoping for, we're assuming. Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...
