Franklin finds handle in minors: After missing a week of action with a sprained right thumb, Seattle infield prospect Nick Franklin returned to make an immediate impact for Double-A Jackson. Franklin, ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the Mariners' organization by MLB.com, collected four hits, including a pair of triples, in his first game back last Friday. The 21-year-old currently ranks among the Southern League leaders in batting average (.336) and on-base percentage (.389). "After I missed the time last year, I was definitely itching to get back in there," Franklin told MLB.com. "It was frustrating, but I had to let my thumb heal." (Updated 05/22/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Franklin, who missed time last year after suffering a concussion when he was hit by a teammate's bat, claimed MVP honors in the Arizona Fall League's Rising Stars Game during the past offseason. The switch-hitter belted two doubles and a homer off Gerrit Cole, the top overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft by Pittsburgh. Franklin has been playing exclusively at short this year after splitting time between shortstop and second base last season. "I definitely prefer shortstop," said Franklin, who has committed seven errors. "That's what I want to play." The Mariners certainly need a shortstop of the future and Franklin could fit that billing in the coming years. Consider him a quality long-term option in Fantasy keeper leagues. (Updated 05/22/2012).
02/29/2012 11:34 2012 Draft Prep: Top 50 Fantasy prospects
Which prospects should you circle on your Draft Day cheat sheets in 2012? Our Scott White unveils his Top 50 prospects and identifies which players will make an impact on your Fantasy teams this summer.
Nick Franklin has been an enigma so far in his professional career. He was one of three minor-leaguers to put together a 20-20 season in 2010 (setting a franchise record with 23 homers at Class A Clinton) but then had disappointing power numbers over half a season in the heavy-hitting California League. He rebounded to hit .325 with an .825 OPS after a midseason promotion to Double-A Jackson but then hit only .258 in the hitter-friendly Arizona Fall League. In other words, he's at his worst when he should be at his best and vice versa. Still, Franklin has offered enough good with the bad to suggest he'll be a major-league regular in the not-too-distant future. Whether or not he'll be a 20-20 player in the majors is a matter of debate -- his speed seems to be more of a certainty than his power at this point -- but he'll be productive enough in both areas to start in Fantasy when he reaches the majors. Depending on his development, that could happen at some point in 2012, so AL-only owners shouldn't sleep on the 21-year-old. (Updated 1/5/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
