NEW YORK -- Shortstop Wander Francois having a renaissance season, one of the reasons behind the Rays' 30-9 record -- tops in baseball.
Besides leading the team in bWAR (2.5), Franco has added speed and power to his game. Entering Friday’s game against the Yankees, he has seven home runs, matching a career high, and a career-best 12 stolen bases. Franco has never swiped more than eight bases prior to this season.
“I was able to put in the work that I was able to put in during the offseason into this season,” Franco said through interpreter Manny Navarro. “I feel really good and really comfortable. Hopefully, it can continue on.“
After going 2-for-3 with a stolen base, Franco left Thursday’s 8-2 win over the Yankees before the bottom of the fifth inning after feeling discomfort in his neck and is currently listed as day to day. After the game, Franco said he felt better after getting treatment. He felt pain when the game started, but it got worse after he grounded out in the fifth. Franco said he loves playing on the New York stage.
“There is a lot of energy [in New York],” Franco said. “The Yankees have a good team. We have to go with the attitude that we are going to be playing well here. We have to keep on moving with them.”
Rays manager Kevin Cash said Franco’s decision-making on the bases is better than in recent years.
“He is on base a lot,” Cash said. “[His baserunning] is something I haven’t really talked about with him. He wasn’t a guy that stole a ton of bases coming up. I think he got up in this atmosphere that can play a role for us. He is trying to pick his spots.”
Franco has a simple answer as to why he is stealing bases: health.
“I like to run. I like to steal bases. I like to run whatever I can,” he said.
Of all the things he has done this year, Franco is most proud of the power he's displayed.
“I just work hard and work hard always,” Franco said.
Franco is proud to see the Rays off to a great start. Can the Rays continue to stay hot and win the American League East?
“We are doing really well,” Franco said. “Thank God we are playing really well up to this point. We are all trying to do our part, not trying to do too much, continue with the work and hope to get the results. ... We keep looking forward. It’s in God’s hands, and we are going to keep on winning.”