Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - Ben Francisco was released by Cleveland earlier
on Monday, but found a home just several hours later with the New York
Yankees, who agreed to a minor league contract with the outfielder.
Francisco will be considered for a roster spot, according to team general
manager Brian Cashman. The Yankees are going to be without outfielder Curtis
Granderson, who broke his forearm earlier this spring and won't be ready for
opening day.
The 31-year-old brings versatility with experience in all three outfield
positions, making 175 starts in left, 39 in center and 123 in right over the
course of his career.
Also a serviceable bat, Francisco has hit for a .257 average over parts of six
seasons and has tallied 49 homers with 189 RBI in 542 games.
The journeyman outfielder was originally chosen by the Indians in the fifth
round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft, but has made stops in Philadelphia,
Toronto, Houston and Tampa Bay since.
The Sports Network