CLEARWATER, Fla. - A year ago Sunday, Maikel Franco stuffed a red duffel bag with his baseball belongings. He walked to the Carpenter Complex as a minor-league player, the result of overswinging to impress Phillies officials in spring training. His time, they told him, would come.
Franco became Sal Rende's pupil once again. The hitting coach at triple-A Lehigh Valley met with Franco and outlined his goals. Better pitch selection. More patience. Knowing the situation, a word Franco constantly repeats from his established corner of the clubhouse at Bright House Field.
"Everyone told me," Franco said.