CLEARWATER, Fla. - Maikel Franco ended last spring training by packing his equipment into a red duffel bag and walking across the Phillies complex to join the other minor-leaguers. Franco was quiet during his four weeks in big-league camp. He was the team's top prospect. But he was just a kid.
A season later, Franco, 23, has emerged to become a large presence in a clubhouse filled with young talent.
His personality was evident on Friday afternoon as he danced while his teammates ate a pregame meal in the clubhouse. An hour later, Franco walked the length of the Bright House Field dugout, stopping each teammate for either a handshake or smack on the back.