Francisco inks deal with Mets: The Mets signed RP Frank Francisco to a two-year, $12 million deal on Tuesday. He went 1-4 with a 3.55 ERA in 54 appearances last season, including going 17 for 21 in save chances. (Updated 12/07/2011)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 2/12/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Francisco battled Jon Rauch, who also signed with the Mets, for saves in Toronto last season, but he will go into spring training as the Mets' anointed closer, with Rauch pitching in a setup role. After a difficult start to the 2011 season, Francisco was outstanding in the second half. Even with the fences moved in, Citi Field could be the most pitcher-friendly home park that Francisco has worked in during his career. He could be a sleeper for next season, worthy of a late-round pick in standard mixed leagues. (Updated 12/07/2011).
02/10/2012 13:27 2012 Draft Prep: 12-team, mixed H2H draft
Which picks stood out in our initial 12-team Head-to-Head mock draft for 2012? Check out the results and read what Scott White has to say about some of the more interesting selections.
02/02/2012 12:21 2012 Draft Prep: Our 12-team, mixed Rotisserie draft
It's time for owners to start looking ahead to Draft Day. We get you off and running with our 12-team Rotisserie mock draft. Check out the results!
Despite his inconsistencies on the mound, Frank Francisco never seems to have a shortage of believers. This time, it's the penny-pinching Mets, who signed the 32-year-old to be their closer in 2012 after discovering that Bobby Parnell was ill-equipped for the role late in 2011. On the one hand, the Mets' willingness to use Francisco in the role seems like a cost-cutting move for an organization that realizes it's going nowhere. On the other hand, it's not such a stretch considering the way Francisco finished last season. He had a 1.37 ERA over 25 second-half appearances, recording 24 strikeouts compared to only four walks during that stretch. He also had 25 saves in 29 chances for the Rangers in 2009, so it's not like he hasn't had any success as a closer. His 2011 was a disappointment, yes, but mostly because the Blue Jays didn't leave him in the role all season. He won't have as much competition with the Mets, and with the stakes so low, he won't have a particularly short leash. You wouldn't want to draft Francisco as more than a No. 3 reliever in mixed leagues, but with a healthy strikeout rate, a respectable walk rate and good job security, he could surprise. (Updated 1/11/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start