What Are Expectations for Maikel Franco In 2017?

The 2016 season was one in which Maikel Franco did not meet expectations.  In a city whose fans had the privilege of seeing one of the greatest Third Basemen in Baseball history cement his Hall of Fame career, the Phillies fans watched Franco put up a .255 Batting Average and .427 Slugging Percentage along with 25 Home Runs last season.  Was 2016 just a "Sophmore Slump" season for Franco or a sign that he isn't the hitter many expected him to become?

CSN Philly Pre and Post Game Phillies Analyst Ricky Bottalico joined The Sports Bash on Friday and gave his perspective on Franco for the 2017 season:

"I think (Phillies) want to see him be a little bit more selective up at the plate. And I think it helps with a Saunders and a Kendrick around you (in the lineup) because you're going to get better pitches to hit. I think the one glaring thing about Maikel Franco last year was he was trying to carry the team on his back. He doesn’t necessarily have to do that this year, which equals to me he has to be more patient at the plate; he has to be able to recognize the pitch that is his, the pitch out over the middle of the plate that he can drive.  And he doesn’t have to pull everything, he’s got enough power to hit the ball out to right center field. Stay up the middle, and I think if you see that early on in the season that will carry over for him.”

Checkout what Bottalico had to say about Phillies Pitching Rotation heading into 2017 season, Pete Mackanin as Manager, and his memories of Dallas Green