Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. clarified back in January that the organization still views top prospect Maikel Franco as a third baseman - today on the show assistant GM Scott Proefrock told me Franco has a chance to win the starting third base job in camp.

"We brought Franco into camp to compete with Cody at third base and see how it goes," explained Proefrock.  "There is no lock on that position - Galvis is in mix too."

(Listen to the full interview with Phillies assistant GM Scott Proefrock on the Sports bash with Mike Gill)

 

 

Part I:

Part II:

It was a little bit of a surprise to hear that Franco, just 21, is already in the mix for a starting job this spring.

"Franco has chance to play third this season," Proefrock acknowledged.  " Maybe right away if he plays well."M

While Proefrock acknowledged that Cody Asche is the favorite to win the postion, the fact that they are even considering Franco makes the third base battle even more interesting and gives the Phillies yet another story line to follow.

Even if Asche is the favorite, Franco is coming off a monster year in 2013, it shouldn't be long before we see Franco in the big leagues in some capacity if he follow up his .320, 31 home run and 103 RBI season at two minor league stops.

More From 97.3 ESPN