News
Seattle first-rounder eager to start career
Franklin, 27th overall pick, hopes to reach Majors soon
By Jim Street / MLB.com
08/16/09 4:10 PM ET
SEATTLE -- A strong urge to begin his professional career sooner rather than later prompted 18-year-old shortstop Nick Franklin to pass on a chance to continue his education at Auburn University. "I just wanted to get the deal done and get out there as soon as possible and play," Franklin, one of the Mariners' two first-round picks in the June First-Year Player Draft, told the media on Sunday morning at Safeco Field. "You see a lot of great ballplayers around, and that's what you want to be." One of them was Mariners icon Ken Griffey Jr. "Yes, I did actually," said Franklin when asked if he had a chance to talk to Griffey. "When I did, it sounded like we were long-lost buds. It was cool. He acts like one of the guys, nothing different, a normal person." Franklin, the 27th overall selection in the Draft, took the next step in that direction on Saturday when he signed a $1.28 contract and then worked out with the Mariners prior to their series finale against the Yankees. Franklin returned to Safeco Field on Sunday morning, dressed in a dark suit, blue shirt and wearing a tie. After the media session, he stood on the top step of the third-base dugout and signed autographs for fans standing behind the dugout. "It's great to be a part of this organization," Franklin said. "You can't beat Seattle." Franklin is a product of Lake Brantley High School in Florida, the same school that produced former Mariners No. 1 Draft choice Jason Varitek, who reached fame and fortune status with the Red Sox. Asked about his own big league ambitions, Franklin said, "I want to get there as quickly as possible. That's my ultimate goal, to be a Seattle Mariner." He became the 33rd player the Mariners selected in the Draft to sign a contract. But still unsigned is outfielder Dustin Ackley, the No. 2 choice overall.Mariners -- Top five selections | |||
Pick | POS | Name | School |
| 2 | CF | Dustin Ackley | UNC Chapel Hill |
| 27 | SS | Nicholas Franklin | Lake Brantley HS |
| 33 | C | Steven Baron | John A. Ferguson School |
| 51 | 1B | Richard Poythress | U Georgia |
| 82 | 2B | Kyle Seager | UNC Chapel Hill |
| Complete Mariners Draft results > | |||
Seattle has until 9 p.m. PT on Monday to sign Ackley or lose its rights to the three-time All-American from the University of North Carolina.
Franklin beat the clock by more than two days. "I thought about it, and what I really wanted to do was go out there and play," he said. "It has been one of my goals all my life, to get out there and get to the Major Leagues as quickly as possible." Franklin will report to the Mariners' extended spring squad and play instructional ball in September. He said it would be good to get back to playing baseball. "This summer was the only summer that I actually had off [in a long time]," Franklin said. "It was actually a big break for my body to get a chance to rest up, and for me to be ready for rookie ball."Jim Street is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
