The Deal With Franco And The Mets

Ken Davidoff at Newsday writes about Julio Franco and what is happening with him and the Mets:

In his second season with the Mets, Franco has 10 hits, including one homer, in 50 at-bats, for a .200 batting average. He has recorded a .328 on-base percentage and an anemic .260 slugging percentage. He has essentially served as a player-coach, providing guidance for the Mets' younger players.

But with the Mets' offense struggling -- hitting coach Rick Down was fired last night, and Rickey Henderson will join the coaching staff today -- the club apparently decided that it could no longer use a roster spot on Franco.

The Mets signed Franco to a two-year, $2-million contract prior to the 2006 season.