Juan Francia

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Detroit Tigers #17 prospect in 2006
  Francia had two games to remember in 2005. On May 24, Francia collected his first three extra-base hits of the season--two homers and a double. After a promotion to Double-A, he hit safely in 17 of 20 games and hit for the cycle Aug. 9. His improvement last season prompted the Tigers to re-sign the six-year free agent before instructional league. Francia has shown some plus tools throughout his career, most notably his well above-average speed, and he has made small strides in becoming a more efficient basestealer. He'll never hit for much power and fits the Luis Castillo profile as a leadoff or No. 2 hitter who runs well, handles the bat and draws an occasional walk. Francia still plays out of control at times and has to learn to maintain his concentration throughout both a game and the long season. He's settled into being a second baseman. He can play shortstop in a pinch, but his arm fits much better at second. He'll head back to Double-A for 2006 but could reach Detroit soon as a utility player thanks to his speed.
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  Ranked Detroit Tigers #29 prospect in 2005
  The third season in low Class A turned out to be the charm for Francia. He finished one hit shy of winning the Midwest League batting title and served as a catalyst for West Michigan's championship club. Francia is the fastest baserunner in the system, and some scouts think that tool is enough to carry him. He's still not a particularly effective basestealer, however, as he led the MWL by getting caught stealing 19 times (in 56 attempts). Despite his performance in 2004, there are plenty of concerns about Francia's hitting ability. He makes consistent contact, but at the expense of drawing walks or hitting for power. If he doesn't hit over .300, he's not going to be worth playing on a regular basis. Francia spent most of last season at shortstop, but fits better at second base--where he spent his first five seasons--because he lacks arm strength. He's finally ready for high Class A.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked New York-Penn League #4 prospect in 2001
  Francia was the consensus choice as the New York-Penn League's most exciting player. He also won the batting title and reached base safely in 39 of 46 games. The diminutive Venezuelan was compared to Marlins second baseman Luis Castillo for his speed and slash-and-run style of play. He was caught stealing 14 times in 31 tries, though Turgeon graded Francia's speed as 80 on the 20-to-80 scouting scale. "You can't run any faster than that," Turgeon said. "This guy has jets on his feet. He's a very potent offensive weapon." Francia connected for just seven extra-base hits and will need to get stronger. But managers appreciated the fact that he tailored his game to his skills. He stood out defensively as well. "He is a fun player to watch," Klebe said. "He played like he owned that side of the diamond."
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  Ranked Florida Complex League #17 prospect in 2000
  With speed the equal of anyone in the GCL, Francia creates havoc at the top of a batting order and on the bases. He specializes in the slash bunt and has been clocked as fast as 3.6 seconds down the line when he drops one down. "He's a sparkplug, a real scrappy player who handles the bat well and puts a lot of pressure on the defense," David said. Francia is just an average defender with adequate arm strength for second base, but he gets to a lot of balls because of his speed. He has little or no power.

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  With speed the equal of anyone in the GCL, Francia creates havoc at the top of a batting order and on the bases. He specializes in the slash bunt and has been clocked as fast as 3.6 seconds down the line when he drops one down. "He's a sparkplug, a real scrappy player who handles the bat well and puts a lot of pressure on the defense," David said. Francia is just an average defender with adequate arm strength for second base, but he gets to a lot of balls because of his speed. He has little or no power.