The Colorado Rockies are close to signing pitcher Jeff Francis, and the soft-tossing left-hander could start for the Rox on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Colorado fans are very familiar with what Francis can do. The 31-year old was drafted in the first round by Colorado in 2002. He was on of the face's of the franchise for a decent stretch, throwing 183 inning or more for three straight seasons from 2005-2007.
Francis would prove to have his best season in '07, when he helped Colorado reach the World Series against the Boston Red Sox. Francis threw 215 innings that season, posting a 4.22 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. He finished the season 17-9.
Injuries have limited Francis since 2009. He spent last season with the Kansas City Royals, where he posted a 6-16 record and a 4.82 ERA in 31 starts. Francis had been in the Cincinnati Reds' farm system, where he went 3-6 with a 3.72 ERA in 77 innings before asking for his release last week to become a free agent.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Rockies blog Purple Row. Head over to Baseball Nation and MLB Daily Dish for more news and notes from around the league.