Franco DFA'd

Marty Noble at Mets.com writes about the official designation of Julio Franco:

For weeks, Julio Franco had spoken privately of the need to find work elsewhere and the need to get enough at-bats to allow him to continue his career and reach his objective of playing at age 50. He was convinced remaining in what he considered a role more limited that he had anticipated would undermine his chances. He planned to ask for his release.

The Mets beat him to the punch, though; they designated him for assignment on Thursday as part of the midseason roster restructuring.