PLAYING TIME: Deja vu for Frank Francisco?

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Frank Francisco (RHP, NYM) began 2010 as the TEX closer, only to lose the job to Neftali Feliz after beginning the season with diminished velocity and a 7.30 ERA through May 6.  Francisco entered 2011 as the favorite to close in TOR, only to be DL'd in April and spend the rest of the season swapping the role with John Rauch due to inconsistency.  Now in 2012, Francisco has been anointed the NYM closer. But after a March in which he put up a 5.54 ERA with just 7 Ks in 13 IP and his velocity reportedly down again, Francisco has kicked off April by getting his knee drained and undergoing a precautionary MRI.  Is this just the latest development in an established pattern of losing closer roles?

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