Blue Jays acquire Ben Francisco for Frank Gailey
The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired outfielder Ben Francisco from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for left-handed pitcher Frank Gailey. To make room on the 40-man roster right-handed pitcher Jesse Chavez has been designated for assignment.
Francisco, 30, appeared in 100 games for the Phillies in 2011, posting a .244 average with six home runs and 34 RBIs. The Santa Ana, California native has been a member of the Phillies since July of 2009 after being acquired from the Cleveland Indians along with left-handed pitcher Cliff Lee. In parts of five Major League seasons, the right-handed hitter has posted a .260 average with 45 home runs and 174 RBIs in 460 games with Cleveland and Philadelphia.
Gailey, 26, was originally selected in the 23rd round of the 2007 Draft by the Blue Jays and has spent four seasons in the Blue Jays' system. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native split time between Class A Dunedin and Double-A New Hampshire in 2011, recording a 5-6 record with a 3.41 ERA in 45 relief appearances. Over his Minor League career, the left-hander is 23-15 with a 2.45 ERA in 175 games (one start).