Omaha claims Gianni Francolini from New Orleans, options Perez(44.19)

[niles08]

Omaha successfully executed the waiver claim of first baseman Gianni Francolini from New Orleans this week, optioning utility player and former rule 5 pick Tony Perez to AAA in the process.

Francolini, who is 25 years old, has proven a few times in limited action that his bat is above average, and can hit both left handed and right handed pitching. Francolini has never been given adequate time to play, other than his 256 plate appearance season in 2042 where he hit .242/.322/.375 struggling with an 80 wRC+. It’s likely Francolini will be used as a 2nd or 3rd bat off the bench so it’s not likely he will have to make a huge impact for the Cyclones, but on a minimum contract the team had little to lose.

As mentioned in a corresponding move, the club sent Tony Perez to AAA. Perez was a rule 5 pick way back in December 2041, playing the 2042 and 2043 seasons in Omaha. Perez, now 27, never really got to bat much but his defensive ability to field all of the infield, and all 3 outfield spots with diamond glove caliber defense is nothing to ignore.

Perez will likely find his way back to Omaha later this season as his defense is a commodity that the team will miss while he is waiting in AAA.

[JimBob2232]

hated to lose him - but just no room.