Wayne Franklin: A True Battler

They're not done yet. 

Earlier today, the Yankees designated for assignment underperforming relievers Mike Stanton and Paul Quantrill, then recalled worthless outfielder Bubba Crosby and gritty LHP Wayne Franklin from AAA Columbus.

While Crosby will likely struggle to outhit Tony Womack, Wayne Franklin could be just what the Yankees need.  A proven winner, Franklin brings his own brand of determination to the mound. 

Wayne_1Two years ago with the Milwaukee Brewers, he won 10 games despite posting a 5.50 ERA.  Now, most pitchers won't get very far giving up that many runs, especially pitchers that relied on scrubs like Royce Clayton and John Vander Wal for run support.  That didn't stop Franklin. Every five days, when the fireballing lefty took the mound, the Brewers knew they had a chance to win.  Start after start, Franklin's gritty play inspired his team to victory.  His intangibles are unmatched in most any major league clubhouse, and are second to only Derek Jeter and the great Craig Counsell.

Despite his success in Milwaukee, pitching in New York won't be an easy task.  While Jeter has done his best to battle to the very end game in and game out, the same cannot be said for the rest of the Yankee lineup.  Gary Sheffield is more concerned with arguing with random people, Jason Giambi seems preoccupied with being a fat lardass, and A-Rod is, well, A-Rod.  General Manager Brian Cashman believes that this sudden influx of gritty battlingness will light a fire under these less-motivated players.  And this baseball fan believes that he is right.

Franklin may be good for a 6.00 ERA, but what does that matter when your team can guarantee you 7 runs of support?

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