Wander has upped his speed and power game
NEW YORK — Shortstop Wander Franco is having a renaissance season, one of many causes behind the Rays’ 30-9 report — tops in baseball.
Besides main the workforce in bWAR (2.5), Franco has added pace and energy to his recreation. Entering Friday’s recreation in opposition to the Yankees, he has seven house runs, matching a profession excessive, and a career-best 12 stolen bases. Franco has by no means swiped greater than eight bases previous to this season.
“I was able to put in the work that I was able to put in during the offseason into this season,” Franco mentioned by way of interpreter Manny Navarro. “I really feel actually good and actually comfy. Hopefully, it may proceed on.“
After going 2-for-3 with a stolen base, Franco left Thursday’s 8-2 win over the Yankees earlier than the underside of the fifth inning after feeling discomfort in his neck and is at present listed as daily. After the sport, Franco mentioned he felt higher after getting remedy. He felt ache when the sport began, but it surely acquired worse after he grounded out within the fifth. Franco mentioned he loves taking part in on the New York stage.
“There is a lot of energy [in New York],” Franco mentioned. “The Yankees have a good team. We have to go with the attitude that we are going to be playing well here. We have to keep on moving with them.”
Rays supervisor Kevin Cash mentioned Franco’s decision-making on the bases is best than lately.
“He is on base a lot,” Cash mentioned. “[His baserunning] is something I haven’t really talked about with him. He wasn’t a guy that stole a ton of bases coming up. I think he got up in this atmosphere that can play a role for us. He is trying to pick his spots.”
Franco has a easy reply as to why he’s stealing bases: well being.
“I like to run. I like to steal bases. I like to run whatever I can,” he mentioned.
Of all of the issues he has achieved this yr, Franco is most pleased with the facility he is displayed.
“I just work hard and work hard always,” Franco mentioned.
Franco is proud to see the Rays off to an incredible begin. Can the Rays proceed to remain scorching and win the American League East?
“We are doing really well,” Franco mentioned. “Thank God we are playing really well up to this point. We are all trying to do our part, not trying to do too much, continue with the work and hope to get the results. … We keep looking forward. It’s in God’s hands, and we are going to keep on winning.”
