Former UBC Players in Pro Ball
Jeff Francis
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- Published on Monday, 13 December 2004 17:00
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Jeff signed a contract for 2012 with the Cincinnati Reds. The contract pays $1.5 million, but only if he makes the major league roster.
Jeff's 2011 season with the Kansas City Royals did not go especially well. He went 6-16, 4.82 ERA, with 91 strikeouts. However, several of his losses can be blamed on the lack of run support from the Royals.
Jeff made 20 appearances (19 starts) in a 2010 season impacted by injuries. His record was 4-6, 5.00 ERA, with 67 strikeouts. At the plate, he had two hits in 22 at-bats, but drew four walks, giving him an on-base percentage of .222.
He missed the entire 2009 season due to arthroscopic surgery.
2008 was Jeff's fourth full season in the Major Leagues. The Rockies didn't repeat their late-season run, and Jeff was injured for a good part of the season. He was 4-10 in 24 starts, 5.01 ERA, struck out 94 in 143 2/3 innings. At the plate, he had five hits in 39 at-bats, for a .128 average. He had to make a reconditioning stint in mid-season with the Tulsa Drillers; he had three starts there, went 1-0, 0.63 ERA, 19 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings pitched.
He had an excellent regular season in 2007. His record was 17-9, 4.22 ERA, 165 strikeouts and 63 bases on balls in 215 1/3 innings pitched. At the plate, he was .188, hit three doubles, and bunted successfully 13 times. His 17 wins led the Rockies pitching staff, and ties the club record. He deserves an ample share of the credit for the Rockies' first playoff appearance since 1995.
His playoff numbers were 2-1, 4.86 ERA, 15 strikeouts, and six bases on balls in 16 2/3 innings pitched. Jeff was the first Canadian ever to start the first game of a World Series. CBC's The National did a story about it, with film clips of him working on the infield at Nat Bailey Stadium, and a short interview with Coach McKaig. Click here to view the MP3 clip.
His numbers for 2006 were 13-11, 4.16 ERA, and 117 strikeouts. His ERA was good enough for 21st place in the National League. At the plate, he was .115, but he drew an exceptional eight bases on balls, which brings his on-base percentage to a not-bad .211. He was also credited with nine sacrifice bunts (also not bad) and two sacrifice flies. For his complete numbers, click here.
In 2005, Jeff's record was 14-12, 5.68 ERA, and 128 strikeouts. At the plate, he was .103, but hit two doubles, and drew seven walks, one of which was with the bases loaded.