Todd Zolecki Calls Maikel Franco's Early Play 'Encouraging'
By Ray Boyd
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Phillies six-game win streak came to an end on Tuesday night as the team fell to the Rockies. Despite the loss, the Phillies offense has found some rhythm as of late and the team appears to be on a positive trajectory.
On Wednesday, Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki joined Josh Innes and Tony Bruno to discuss the team's recent play.
Maikel Franco, who was recently called up from Triple-A, is proving to be a much-needed addition to what was a rather stagnant offense.
"They're swinging the bats a little bit better," Zolecki said of the team's recent play. "To see Maikel Franco come out, it's just five games, but he's got a double, triple, home run, five RBIs. He had two game-tying hits last night. It's encouraging.
LISTEN: Todd Zolecki joined Josh Innes and Tony Bruno to discuss the Phillies recent play.
"I don't know what Maikel Franco is going to be like down the road, but at least he gives you something to watch right now."
The question of what Franco will be like down the road is an important one for the Phillies to figure out. Franco is one of the few young players on the team that looks like he could be a contributing piece in the future.
Beyond filling holes internally, the Phillies will still have to look to supplement the rebuild with players acquired in trades. Zolecki believes the market could be heating up soon for Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels.
"I think things are definitely picking up," Zolecki said of suitors coming after Hamels. "Ruben has been getting more phone calls and quite frankly I think he's in a very enviable position because Cole is really pitching a lot better lately."
Zolecki added that as the trade deadline gets closer, teams will more than likely ease up on the players that they are unwilling to part with if they view Hamels as a piece that can help them compete for a World Series right away.
"Eventually the Phils are going to get something decent for [Hamels]," Zolecki said.
