One of the biggest problems with the Phillies’ rebuilding efforts post-2011 is that their farm system wasn’t supplying the type of prospect that would lead to a quick turnaround. Players like Cody Asche and David Buchanan weren’t going to be integral parts of any playoff teams.
But Maikel Franco? He was supposed to be something they could build around.
Signed as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic, Franco rapidly ascended the Phillies’ system and after an outstanding 2013 season split between Clearwater and Reading, he was given the Paul Owens Award as the team’s minor league player of the year.