Frank Francisco: Yankees are “Chickens”

Frank Francisco made a very strange comment that is sure to fire up the Yankees for their weekend series at Citi Field — not something you really want to do to the Yankees.

“I can’t wait to face those chickens,” Francisco told the New York Post. “I want to strike out the side against them. I’ve done it before.”

He didn’t elaborate on exactly what that meant, only saying, “I think I’ve said too much already.”

Francisco did not appear in the three-game sweep at Yankee Stadium a couple of weeks ago, but he did pitch against them during his time in the American League. Still though, it is not clear if the Yankees did something specific to him, or if he just doesn’t like them, or if he’s just trying to get his team motivated.

Either way, both teams are downplaying the comment.

“I’m glad Frankie is as confident as he is,” David Wright told the newspaper. “I hope he does get the chance to go in there for the save, because that means we’re winning in the ninth, so I hope that he does get to back those comments up,” adding, “I don’t know if you want to get those guys too riled up, they have a great offense.”

Curtis Granderson said the comment didn’t bother him at all.

“I think it’s great, add fuel to the rivalry, help add to the fire between the two teams,” Granderson said. “Any time you have something to say about your team… you should go out there and have all of the confidence in the world to say it.”

In any case, it sure will be interesting to watch Francisco if he does face the Yankees during the series. Francisco had a shaky save on Thursday and as Wright said, the Yankees are a fairly good hitting ballclub even when they are not seeking revenge. This could be ugly.