The End of the Line

Did time finally run out on Methuselah?:

Julio Franco may have finally run out of at-bats.

The New York Mets cut the 48-year-old utilityman Thursday, opting to give 22-year-old outfielder Lastings Milledge another chance in the majors.

The NL East leaders announced the move before starting the second half with a game against Cincinnati.

Franco hit only .200 in 50 at-bats with one home run and eight RBIs. Mostly a pinch-hitter, he also played a bit at first base and third base this season.

Franco wants to play until he's 50, and he still needs only 424 hits to reach 3,000. He is certainly better than players on a lot of team's rosters, I just wonder if he'll actually catch on with another team somewhere for the stretch drive. Wouldn't it make sense for a team like the D-Backs or Padres have his bat and experience coming off the bench?