KC Royals: Dayton Moore Reclamation Projects

Jeff Francis: Miss

Jeff Francis, much like Broxton, wasn’t a huge swing and a miss for Dayton Moore. Francis was a low risk, low cost one year signing that just didn’t pan out.

To be honest, Jeff Francis was never really that good, although it’s hard to hold any Rockies’ pitcher accountable for their ERA. Francis’ best year came in 2007 for the Rockies when he pitched over 200 innings and earned 17 wins. He also helped lead them to their first and only World Series appearance, although he carried a 4.22 ERA over the course of the season.

He still carried a high ERA with him at 4.68, but went just 6-16. While a lot of that record has to do with a poor offense, giving up nearly five runs per nine innings isn’t a formula for success either.

He never struck people out with a low K/9 throughout his career, but he seemed to find a way to rack up wins in Colorado. The logic behind the signing is sound enough. He was a pitcher who earned wins in spite of a high ERA and Moore may have been among those who put less importance on the ERA of a pitcher in Colorado.

Francis’ year with Kansas City in 2011 left nothing to be desired. He still carried a high ERA with him at 4.68, but went just 6-16. While a lot of that record has to do with a poor offense, giving up nearly five runs per nine innings isn’t a formula for success either. Francis did manage to eat innings for the Royals that year and did manage not to walk too many people.

Again, Dayton Moore didn’t miss big here, but it wasn’t a hit.

Next: Another Guy from the Rockies