Francisco got robbed out of roster spot with Brewers

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At the start of Spring Training if you had told me Lyle Overbay and Mark Reynolds would have beaten out "Fat" Juan Francisco for the platoon at first base, I would have probably agreed with you. After the dust settled Saturday night in Maryvale Francisco's locker was empty and he was the one heading out of camp. 

That doesn't mean the 26-year-old Francisco didn't do everything he could to improve himself at the plate and perform this spring because he did just that. In the end, it was his track record that did him in and inexperience at first base.

The numbers tell the story of a solid spring which followed up a pretty good Dominican Winter League for Francisco where in 40 games he hit .260 with 3 homers and 24 RBI, according to the 2014 Brewers Media Guide. His .346 average (9 of 26) were one of the best on the team of guys with over 15 ABs that paired well with his 3 HR and 6 RBI. He also drew eight walks to give him a .500 OBP and a .731 slugging percentage. He did strike out nine times, but that was by no means the tops on the team. In fact, that was middle of the road with the guys he was competing for the first-base job with besting him.

Overbay would be the one to look at most since he was the lefty and the Big O hit just .179 this spring (7 of 39) with a pair of doubles and eight walks with a lone RBI. His 15 strikeouts are tops on the team this spring. The 37-year-old had just a .319 on-base percentage and a .550 slugging percentage.

Now, I know what you're saying "An exhibition season doesn't make a season." While I'd agree with you, if a true platoon is going to be the plan at first base this season wouldn't you want to ride the hot hand into the season?

Unless a true platoon isn't going to happen there. If Reynolds is the starter and Overbay is just a defensive replacement and spot starter, then the move makes sense. Of the other options still available at first base that were in camp, only Hunter Morris has extended experience at the position. It's that or Martin Maldinado, Jeff Bianchi or Rickie Weeks playing there. 

Safe to say, barring a trade things could be rough at first again this season. We can only hope Doug Melvin knows what he's doing on this one.