Tell you what. I'd rather give Milledge another chance than have Julio Franco play. I mean I love the guy, but he's done. He can't hit a fastball anymore. He should announce his retirement which would make room for another player, and then the Mets should make him a coach. The Mets need to keep Franco around the organization, but not as a player. He's so done as a player.
I have a 1980 World Series program (Phillies/Royals) that lists future Phillie stars then in the minors. Franco was one of them. The Phillies traded farm product, Ryne Sandberg, in '81, in part, to make room for Franco. They then traded Franco in December, '82 because they had Juan Samuel ready to emerge.
Franco won an All-Star MVP 17 years ago. It amazes me that he's still in the majors as he's nearing 48. I agree that he's not an option for every day play.
