Alfredo Francisco

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Chicago Cubs #15 prospect in 2003
  The Cubs' three-decade search for a successor to Ron Santo continues. If Brendan Harris and David Kelton don't pan out, Francisco gives them another hope. Signed in February 2002, he came straight to the United States for his pro debut, playing in the Arizona League at age 17. As would be expected, he was quite raw but showed flashes of considerable talent. While he was at times overmatched because he had never faced anything approaching the quality of pro pitching, Francisco's upside was obvious. He's athletic, uses a short swing and has power potential that he'll tap into if he gets stronger and learns the strike zone. Defensively, he has soft hands, a strong arm and solid footwork. He'll need time to adjust to the United States and to pro ball. As a result, Francisco likely will start this year in extended spring training before joining Boise or the AZL Cubs in June.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Arizona Complex League #20 prospect in 2002
  The Cubs still are looking for a worthy successor to Ron Santo’s legacy as prospect after prospect has fallen by the wayside. Francisco, who signed in February and played most of the season at age 17, may end the drought. Managers like his 6-foot-3, 180-pound frame and raw talent that makes him projectable. He needs a lot of work on his plate discipline and his defense, though he’s athletic and packs plenty of raw power.

• December, 2001 Scouting Report
  The Cubs still are looking for a worthy successor to Ron Santo’s legacy as prospect after prospect has fallen by the wayside. Francisco, who signed in February and played most of the season at age 17, may end the drought. Managers like his 6-foot-3, 180-pound frame and raw talent that makes him projectable. He needs a lot of work on his plate discipline and his defense, though he’s athletic and packs plenty of raw power.