Franchy Cordero recalled to the major league team

Cesar Crespo

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After last night's game: .379/.419/.897 in 31 PA with 2bb/9k, 1 double, 1 triple, 4 HRs in AAA

If you were to combine his AAA line with his MLB line, he would be hitting .226/.273/.419. That's a serviceable player.

I know you can't really do that because AAA is not MLB. It's more to show how small his sample size is when 31 PA increased his line by .047/.045/.145. 31 PA increases his sample size by 30%.
 
Franchy's a career .391 wOBA hitter in AAA not counting his 2021 numbers. If he can sustain numbers significantly over that in AAA this year then it's likely that he will earn some more looks at the major league level, especially if the stats are supported by noticeable changes in approach.

He might have been on the cusp of figuring it out when he was sent down, or he might just be a quintessential AAAA player. There's no way for us to know any time soon.
 

OCD SS

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It’s worth noting that the Sox Prospect guys have talked about there being a wind tunnel effect at Polar Park. Probably not a factor if you’re hitting it over the batting eye, but something to keep in mind when evaluating other performances from Worcester.
 

Coachster

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It’s worth noting that the Sox Prospect guys have talked about there being a wind tunnel effect at Polar Park. Probably not a factor if you’re hitting it over the batting eye, but something to keep in mind when evaluating other performances from Worcester.
I did see back-to-back-to-back home runs in Polar Park yesterday, one of them by former binky Blake Swihart (who hit a 2nd one later in the game). The ball does seem to fly out of there.
 

chawson

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Time for a Franchy update:

He’s now hitting .435/.480/.826 for a 1.306 OPS since being sent down on 5/27. He’s 12 for his last 22, with, three doubles, two homers, two walks and one strikeout.

Importantly, Cordero’s K rate in Worcester is 20%. Milwaukee’s Keston Hiura, who could be seen as a kind of analog to our guy this year, is putting up similarly gaudy numbers in AAA, but with a much more alarming 34% K rate.

Duran’s AAA numbers: .263/.372/.588, with a 12.8 % BB rate and 26.6% K rate.

Chavis’ Worcester stint is not going as well — .230/.299/.295, with a 6% BB rate and 29.9% K rate.
 

Rovin Romine

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Time for a Franchy update:

He’s now hitting .435/.480/.826 for a 1.306 OPS since being sent down on 5/27. He’s 12 for his last 22, with, three doubles, two homers, two walks and one strikeout.
It's more interesting than that even. In AAA, Franchy's had 13 AB v. lefties. He's got 5Ks, 4 singles, and a walk. SSS to be sure, but it reads as a 35% K rate with a .665 OPS. (A marginal improvement over Boston - 12 AB, 4Ks, 2 singles, and a walk.)

IMO, the above is close enough to shrug between MLB and AAA. However, his results against righties is where the massive change occurs.

He's absolutely murdering righties: 33 AB with 4 doubles, a triple, and 4 homers for a 1.558 OPS with a 14% K rate.
(Compare to 83 AB in Boston where his OPS was .516 with a 37% K rate.)

Anyone care to drill down further on pitch type or the like?

Is he doing anything different in terms of putting balls in play?
 

Melrose Diner

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It seemed like at the beginning of the season the idea was a likely Renfroe vs LHP/Franchy vs RHP platoon in RF. Unfortunately Franchy's early struggles probably threw a wrinkle into that, and now Renfroe has 136 PA against RHP with a line of .227/.257/.398 (not good!). It might soon be time to revist that early season plan
 

Cesar Crespo

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Well, Cordero had an 0 for 4 last night, so now he's only hitting .400 in AAA with a 1.204 OPS.
0/4 with 2k. Brings it up to 54 PA, 4bb/12k. 22.2% K rate. If he could get under 30% in the majors, he'd might be something.

.400/.444/.760 with a .471 BAbip (16 hits/34 bip).

12 games played, 7 multi hit games, 3 3 hit games, 2 hitless games and only 1 game he failed to hit or walk.
 

mauf

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I didn’t realize until just now that Franchy was a shortstop for a few years before moving to the outfield. The numbers say he was a butcher at short, but it does make me wonder if he could don a first-baseman’s mitt and quickly become a passable defender.
 

YTF

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I didn’t realize until just now that Franchy was a shortstop for a few years before moving to the outfield. The numbers say he was a butcher at short, but it does make me wonder if he could don a first-baseman’s mitt and quickly become a passable defender.
I've wondered the same thing, but I'm not sure he get's to the point of being serviceable in a time frame that suits the team's needs. He's probably best left to figure out his stroke if he's going to be of any help in the short term.
 

Cesar Crespo

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I've wondered the same thing, but I'm not sure he get's to the point of being serviceable in a time frame that suits the team's needs. He's probably best left to figure out his stroke if he's going to be of any help in the short term.
I dunno. Often times when a minor leaguer is close to being called up but is blocked by a player, they switch to a different position for like 10-15 games and then are promoted to the show.

It happened with Xander Bogaerts (10 games at 3b in the minors). To a lesser extent it happened to Mookie Betts (47 games in the OF after moving from 2b).

I don't think Cordero would need more than 15-20 games at 1b in the minors to see if he's capable or not.
 

YTF

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I dunno. Often times when a minor leaguer is close to being called up but is blocked by a player, they switch to a different position for like 10-15 games and then are promoted to the show.

It happened with Xander Bogaerts (10 games at 3b in the minors). To a lesser extent it happened to Mookie Betts (47 games in the OF after moving from 2b).

I don't think Cordero would need more than 15-20 games at 1b in the minors to see if he's capable or not.
My point being, I'm not sure that he needs to figure out hitting AND figure out a new position at the same time. The Sox have a need in the outfield, if he can become a productive bat let him concentrate on maintaining that part of his game.
 
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InsideTheParker

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I didn’t realize until just now that Franchy was a shortstop for a few years before moving to the outfield. The numbers say he was a butcher at short, but it does make me wonder if he could don a first-baseman’s mitt and quickly become a passable defender.
First base is hard. Look at the stretches that Bobby D, Chavis, Moreland, etc. have made of less than perfect throws from Devers? You think Franchy could do that regularly?
 

Red(s)HawksFan

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First base is hard. Look at the stretches that Bobby D, Chavis, Moreland, etc. have made of less than perfect throws from Devers? You think Franchy could do that regularly?
The easy part at 1B is fielding the position. The hard part is receiving throws. Bobby D has had his struggles with the latter and he's considered at least decent with the glove. He's getting better, but there is definitely a learning curve. It's a falsehood that you can just drop anyone there and get competent defense.
 

Al Zarilla

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It seemed like at the beginning of the season the idea was a likely Renfroe vs LHP/Franchy vs RHP platoon in RF. Unfortunately Franchy's early struggles probably threw a wrinkle into that, and now Renfroe has 136 PA against RHP with a line of .227/.257/.398 (not good!). It might soon be time to revist that early season plan
One problem with that is that there are a lot more RHP than LHP, about 2.5 to 1. Do we really want to see Franchy in the field and Hunter on the bench at that ratio? Learn how to hit righties better, Hunter, goddammit!
 

Yelling At Clouds

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Tangentially related, but I note that Duran is not in that lineup. Is there anything to read into that - particularly with a couple of injuries to the MLB team - or just a scheduled day off?
 

Red(s)HawksFan

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Tangentially related, but I note that Duran is not in that lineup. Is there anything to read into that - particularly with a couple of injuries to the MLB team - or just a scheduled day off?
Have to assume a normal day off. The Red Sox are off today and are looking at a likely rainout tomorrow, so I can't imagine they're pulling him tonight in anticipation of a call-up.

The injuries are to Santana and Gonzalez. Duran doesn't seem like a logical choice to replace either of them right now.
 

richgedman'sghost

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Have to assume a normal day off. The Red Sox are off today and are looking at a likely rainout tomorrow, so I can't imagine they're pulling him tonight in anticipation of a call-up.

The injuries are to Santana and Gonzalez. Duran doesn't seem like a logical choice to replace either of them right now.
Maybe he was pulled in anticipation of a trade for Whit Merrifield or Byron Buxton?
 

richgedman'sghost

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Maybe he was pulled in anticipation of a trade for Whit Merrifield or Byron Buxton? On a more serious note, you think there will be a rainout tomorrow? The rain is supposed to leave Connecticut by noon tomorrow. When would they make up the game, Sunday?
 

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bsj

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Cordero being an effective hitter....for get .360, I'd be thrilled with .260, a decent eye, and some power....and being able to play 1st base...would be a game changer.
 

shaggydog2000

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Cordero being an effective hitter....for get .360, I'd be thrilled with .260, a decent eye, and some power....and being able to play 1st base...would be a game changer.
If he can be Red Sox year Mike Carp even without the crazy high BABIP that guy had, I'd be ecstatic.
 

Over Guapo Grande

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I was about to post that, but then looked back at his last 5 games in June where he was raking, and figured it was just one of those mini slumps that get picked up because of random cut-off dates (e.g. beginning of months, post ASB, etc.)
 

Cesar Crespo

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I was about to post that, but then looked back at his last 5 games in June where he was raking, and figured it was just one of those mini slumps that get picked up because of random cut-off dates (e.g. beginning of months, post ASB, etc.)
Since 6/16: .323/.408/.435, 71 PA, 9bb/26k. Sweet .543 BAbip.

Luck is hiding an ugly stretch.

Hell, his BABip in Worcester is .519 for the full 146 PA.
 

Cesar Crespo

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Both Cordero and Duran have cooled the last few games. SSS indeed, but a ton of strike outs for both ...
AAA numbers
Cordero's first 87 PA: .389/.494/.736 on a .460 Babip with 15bb/17k. 8 2b, 1 3b, 5 HR
Cordero's last 76 PA: .314/.360/.429 on a .568 BAbip with 5bb/32k. 5 2b, 1 HR

His K% rate in AAA is now up to 30.1%. Cordero has been in a slump for quite some time and it's being masked by insane luck. I get a higher BAbip is expected in AAA but he is 45/89 .506 with balls put in play in AAA. That is absurd. People pining for him to be called up aren't really paying attention.

Jarren Duran I'm not seeing any such struggles unless by few games you mean the last 4 games. 18 PA, .067/.222/.133 on a .111 BAbip. 2bb/6k. His July numbers aren't good but he was fine the first 4 games, awful the last 4.

And I'll keep mentioning his name. I wonder if there's been any discussion on promoting Pedro Castellanos to AAA. He's a completely different prospect now that he's shown in game power for the last 68 games now (16 HR, 259 AB) and is starting to walk more as a result. Scouting reports are still lagging way behind on him. He's at .299/.372/.495, .319 BAbip for the year in 207 PA, 18bb/32k. Since June 1st: .351/.417/.629, .355 BAbip in 108 PA, 9bb/14k. Although looking at the AAA roster, there's already a glut with Cordero, Wilson, Duran, and Mieses.

Mieses is another guy we may all be sleeping on. Combined across AA/AAA: 185 PA, .288/.373/.625, 19bb/40k, 15 HR. Just AAA: 90 PA, .289/.378/.526, 10bb/21 k, 4 HR. Also very possible all but Duran are going to be AAAA types.
 

cantor44

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AAA numbers
Cordero's first 87 PA: .389/.494/.736 on a .460 Babip with 15bb/17k. 8 2b, 1 3b, 5 HR
Cordero's last 76 PA: .314/.360/.429 on a .568 BAbip with 5bb/32k. 5 2b, 1 HR

His K% rate in AAA is now up to 30.1%. Cordero has been in a slump for quite some time and it's being masked by insane luck. I get a higher BAbip is expected in AAA but he is 45/89 .506 with balls put in play in AAA. That is absurd. People pining for him to be called up aren't really paying attention.

Jarren Duran I'm not seeing any such struggles unless by few games you mean the last 4 games. 18 PA, .067/.222/.133 on a .111 BAbip. 2bb/6k. His July numbers aren't good but he was fine the first 4 games, awful the last 4.

And I'll keep mentioning his name. I wonder if there's been any discussion on promoting Pedro Castellanos to AAA. He's a completely different prospect now that he's shown in game power for the last 68 games now (16 HR, 259 AB) and is starting to walk more as a result. Scouting reports are still lagging way behind on him. He's at .299/.372/.495, .319 BAbip for the year in 207 PA, 18bb/32k. Since June 1st: .351/.417/.629, .355 BAbip in 108 PA, 9bb/14k. Although looking at the AAA roster, there's already a glut with Cordero, Wilson, Duran, and Mieses.

Mieses is another guy we may all be sleeping on. Combined across AA/AAA: 185 PA, .288/.373/.625, 19bb/40k, 15 HR. Just AAA: 90 PA, .289/.378/.526, 10bb/21 k, 4 HR. Also very possible all but Duran are going to be AAAA types.
forgive me for my laziness but if anyone has Francy's L/R splits in Worcester might be interesting to see. Could the sox cobble a decent platoon between him and Dalbec? ... but yeah, that BAbip is a caution ...
 

Cesar Crespo

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forgive me for my laziness but if anyone has Francy's L/R splits in Worcester might be interesting to see. Could the sox cobble a decent platoon between him and Dalbec? ... but yeah, that BAbip is a caution ...
.407/.491/.725, 15bb/28k in ~106 PA (AB+BB, he could have a few more) vs R
.255/.321/.333, 5bb/21k in ~56 PA (same caveat) vs L

They have the splits right on MILB.com. MILB.com is very limited though. They don't even have PA or HBP, so the best you can do is AB+BB.

Maybe though? He can fall a long way vs R and be a productive hitter so it's clearly not all luck. Some of it is though, and the strikeouts are also concerning.

Now I'm curious if he's been seeing a steady diet of lefties lately. Those are some drastic splits to put it mildly.
 

Rovin Romine

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.407/.491/.725, 15bb/28k in ~106 PA (AB+BB, he could have a few more) vs R
.255/.321/.333, 5bb/21k in ~56 PA (same caveat) vs L

They have the splits right on MILB.com. MILB.com is very limited though. They don't even have PA or HBP, so the best you can do is AB+BB.

Maybe though? He can fall a long way vs R and be a productive hitter so it's clearly not all luck. Some of it is though, and the strikeouts are also concerning.

Now I'm curious if he's been seeing a steady diet of lefties lately. Those are some drastic splits to put it mildly.
You can always look at the gamelogs to eyeball it:

https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=corder003fra&type=bgl&year=2021
 

Rovin Romine

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How do you mean? BB reference combines the MLB numbers and as far as I can tell, there's no way to tell if a lefty or righty started the game by looking at his game log?
If you click on the date it will take you to the MiLB box score. If Franchy goes 0 for 5 with 4 Ks, and they're all RHP or LHP, it might be suggestive.

I'd love to have an actual split function I could direct you to.

OTOH, it's an interesting possibility that Lehigh Valley seems to have figured him out the third series they're seeing him in. Or maybe he just had a bad week. It happens.
 

Cesar Crespo

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Freddy Valdez first 6 games: 24 PA, .235/.417/.471. 5k/5bb.
Grant Gambrell first 4 games with Sox: 7.66 era, 22.1 ip, 7bb/24k, 105 BF.
Josh Winckowski: 12 games, 4.08 era, 57.1 ip, 18bb/52k, 247 BF.
Luis De La Rosa: yet to debut.

FCL stats are hard to come by this year.
 

chawson

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AAA numbers
Cordero's first 87 PA: .389/.494/.736 on a .460 Babip with 15bb/17k. 8 2b, 1 3b, 5 HR
Cordero's last 76 PA: .314/.360/.429 on a .568 BAbip with 5bb/32k. 5 2b, 1 HR

His K% rate in AAA is now up to 30.1%. Cordero has been in a slump for quite some time and it's being masked by insane luck. I get a higher BAbip is expected in AAA but he is 45/89 .506 with balls put in play in AAA. That is absurd. People pining for him to be called up aren't really paying attention.
If every top minor league hitter has very high BABIPs, it’s at least partly attributable to skill than “insane luck.” Cordero’s is higher than most, but pretty much all Eastern League wRC+ leaders have BABIPs around .400. I wonder if there’s been a deeper study about how to interpret minor league BABIP in a way that incorporates exit velocity — I’d be interested to learn. I don’t know where to find mL EV on balls in play but he’s likely just smoking the ball.

The K rate is still a concern, but the slump has been 9 games (not what I’d call “quite some time”) and most of them have been while he’s learning first base.
 
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cantor44

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Francy has a 712/546 OPS R/L career split in the bigs. So ... if he can play a viable first base, maybe there is a legit platoon with Dalbec. And if Duran can contribute on offense, maybe the organization can focus acquiring pitching ... (or so my fantasy goes that Cordero and Duran will join to lengthen the line up) ...
 
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