Francisco avoids arbitration, signs one year deal

Ben Francisco avoided salary arbitration today when he agreed to a one-year $1.175 million contract.

Francisco will have every opportunity during Spring Training to compete for the starting job in right field, while most people expect a platoon of Francisco and Ross Gload to get the bulk of the playing time.

We are pleased to have come to terms with Benny," Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "Our goal in this process is to come to equitable deals. Benny, as we've stated, will have an opportunity to play more regularly in right field this year and I am looking forward to the competition beginning this spring."

The signing leaves Kyle Kendrick as the only salary arbitration eligible player left; Phillies fans are sure to be holding their breath of that one.