Maikel Franco enjoying his final days in the minor leagues

ALLENTOWN - Maikel Franco ran past second base and into the outfield, trying to escape the throng of teammates on Tuesday night that wanted to mob him after his walkoff single. Starting pitcher David Buchanan would later smudge Franco's face with a towel of shaving cream. Reliever Hector Neris followed by dumping a cooler of Powerade.

Franco, the Phillies second-ranked position prospect, is enjoying his likely final days as a minor leaguer at triple-A Lehigh Valley. A promotion to the Phillies could come as early as this weekend.

The third baseman is hitting a team-leading .346. Franco drove in three runs on Tuesday and has 11 RBIs in the last week. The 22-year-old plays with a personality. He seems to constantly have fun.

"I enjoy the game," Franco said. "Every time I come in, I just try to be a clown a little bit and enjoy the moment. I love to play baseball. And that's what it is."

Franco spent batting practice with infielder Russ Canzler. The rest of the Lehigh Valley players say Franco is Canzler's little brother. The two met last year and hit it off, Canzler said.

"He's really smart when it comes to the game and he's always willing to learn and take some advice from older guys," Canzler said. "We have a lot of fun. He's one of my favorites. He has such a carefree, fun attitude in the game."

Canzler says Franco is a hard worker with a kid's heart and man's head. He said Franco has the right attitude to deal with the expectations that come with being one of the organization's top prospects.

“I know Philly appreciates guys that work hard and play hard everyday. You’re going to see that. He’s going to play hard everyday,” Canzler said. “There’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to him and the future in Philadelphia. The fans can have a lot of faith and confidence in the work that he’s going to put in. If I was a Philly fan, I’d be excited.”