North Delta’s Jeff Francis Traded

Growing up in North Delta wasn’t all that bad, considering the individuals that helped him make it to the pro ranks.

He (Francis) was claimed on waivers Sunday and is walking into a club that is as hot as a pistol, winning nine of its past 10 games.

Not a bad turn of events for a young guy who was designated for assignment by the Reds last Thursday and pondered what the future held for him.

Francis told the media “I don’t really know how to describe it – it’s a situation where there are a lot of positive things happening and I hope to make a good contribution to the roster.”

Francis was a long-time starter with Colorado and did work out of the bullpen somewhat; so he said he can handle it with ease.

This year, though mostly in the minors, he said he has been “executing the things I try to do fairly well. … I feel like I’ve been sharp.”

Francis got to town the evening of the move and he’s in Oakland’s bullpen and chances are he’ll be the team’s long reliever and Melvin said “the team would like to keep him stretched out in order to start if need be.”

Adding Francis to the roster the A’s gain a left-hander who can go long and who also has a ton of big-league experience.

It is fair to say that GM Billy Beane is continually trying to improve the team bit by bit and this is a good example of building from the ground up.

Melvin did talk to Bryan Price (Reds’ manager) about Francis, and Price mentioned “Francis is a great team guy and would do whatever asked of him.”

All the best to Jeff!!