Jeff Francis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Colorado Rockies — No. 26 | |
| Starting Pitcher | |
| Bats: Left | Throws: Left |
| Major League Baseball debut | |
|---|---|
| August 25, 2004 for the Colorado Rockies | |
| Selected MLB statistics (through September 30, 2006) |
|
| Wins | 30 |
| Strikeouts | 277 |
| Earned run average | 4.16 |
Jeffrey William Francis (born January 8, 1981 in Vancouver, British Columbia) is a highly-touted left-handed Major League Baseball pitcher for the Colorado Rockies.
Francis made his major league debut on August 25, 2004, against the Atlanta Braves, losing the 8-1 decision. He pitched five innings, allowing six runs (on three home runs), walking one, while striking out eight hitters. He earned his first career victory on September 5, 2004, against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park, tossing 5.1 scoreless innings in a 5-2 victory for the Rockies.
In 2004, Francis was named Minor League Player of the Year by both Baseball America and USA Today, becoming the first player in Colorado Rockies organizational history to win either of the awards. He became the fourth different player to be honored in the same season by both publications, joining Andruw Jones (1995-1996), Rick Ankiel (1999), and Josh Beckett (2001). Combined between Tulsa (AA) and Colorado Springs (AAA), Francis went 16-3 with a 2.21 ERA and .194 average against in 24 starts. He struck out 196 batters in 154.2 innings pitched, for a ratio of 11.4 per nine innings. He had more strikeouts than hits (108) and walks (29) combined.
Francis was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 1st round (9th pick overall) of the 2002 amateur draft out of the University of British Columbia. He was signed by Greg Hopkins.
Francis was named to play for Canada at the 2006 World Baseball Classic.
On September 23, 2006, Francis notched his 30th career win against the Atlanta Braves. In the process, he passed Brian Bohanon to become the winningest left-handed pitcher in Rockies history.
On November 22, 2006 Francis signed a 4-year deal worth $13.25 million, carrying an option for a 5th year at $7 million. Under MLB rules, the option year would be his first year eligible for free agency. The contract will allow the Rockies/Francis to avoid going to arbitration every year.
Career Statistics as of 9/30/06
| W | L | ERA | G | GS | CG | SHO | SV | IP | H | ER | HR | BB | SO |
| 30 | 25 | 4.91 | 72 | 72 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 419.1 | 457 | 229 | 52 | 152 | 277 |
