Heading into spring training, one of the more intriguing story-lines was the battle at the hot corner between incumbent starter Cody Asche and top prospect Maikel Franco.
While Asche hasn't necessarily turned many heads in his time with the Phillies, he had a clear edge over Franco heading into camp. Franco has torn up minor league pitching and had a very impressive winter league, but went just 6-for-30 with four strikeouts and no extra-base hits this spring for the Phillies. This morning, Franco was optioned to minor league camp.
"His time is going to come," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "He's upset, because he probably wanted to write a different script for himself. But the fact of the matter is, like any young player, who we feel is going to have an impact in the major leagues, his time will come when it comes. I think there was probably some element of trying to do too much." [Philly.com Sports]
With Franco headed to the minors, Cody Asche looks to be the starting third baseman entering the 2015 season. In 11 games this spring, Asche is hitting .259 (7-for-27) with two doubles, a homer and three RBI's. He's also struck out five times and walked once.
Along with Franco, Joely Rodriguez and Nefi Ogando were also sent to minor league camp. Rodriguez appeared in four games for the Phils this spring, giving up one earned run in nine innings of work. Ogando tossed 5 1/3 innings over four games, allowing one run on four hits while striking out six.
