Wander Franco’s maturation can bring both highlights and headaches. ST. PETERSBURG – Wander Franco is a multi-talented, dynamic player who does many good things for his Rays team. He helps them win with bat, glove, arms and legs. But the 22 year-old shortstop who is destined to be a superstar also does things that may leave team officials scratching or with a throbbing head. It’s not a major issue, but it is enough to attract attention when you are the face of a big-league franchise. The look-at-me maneuver of flipping the baseball to himself before throwing it to first base, on what would have otherwise been a routine groundout against Pittsburgh on May 3, created a debate about whether or not this was showboating and/or a way to display his immense talent. This move threatened to break down the Internet. Baseball is a lot of fun. Wandering is fun. #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/sWXuNq9ue2 Bally Sports Florida and Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL), May 4, 2023 Franco did not run hard to first in several at-bats. This could be seen as preventive maintenance, given his leg-muscle problems. Franco will try to steal an extra base when he hits a certain hit. Franco has been one of the most aggressive base stealers on the team, stealing 18 bases (through Friday), while being caught five times. It is not uncommon for teammates to get into heated arguments, as Randy Arozarena did on Tuesday in the dugout. Franco’s attempt to make a play on a grounder was unsuccessful. Third baseman Isaac Paredes had an easier angle, which allowed Toronto to score. It wasn’t for the first time that Franco was accused of over-reaching and ball-hogging in order to make a catch. Franco’s position in the game, and any consternation over these issues, is at least partly a product of his standing and a kind of tradeoff. Franco, who has been praised for his baseball instincts and physical tools, was promoted to the majors at a young, and is now a key player on a winning team. He will be held to high standards and closely watched, both inside and outside of the organization. Petty jealousies can be common, especially when players spend so much time together. They may be over perceived special treatment, a locker in a prime location, or, as Franco found out, an adjacent rack that could hold several dozen pairs cleats. They can be a source of humor and teasing among more experienced players. Keep up with the latest sports news in Tampa Bay Subscribe to Sports Today for free Every day, we’ll send you the latest news and analysis about the Bucs, Lightning and Rays as well as Florida’s college football team. Loading… You have all signed up. Want to receive our free weekly newsletters directly in your inbox. Let’s get started. Explore all your options This can be especially difficult for someone who is still developing socially, learning to control emotions (especially when dealing with criticism), and maturing. The Rays appear to be understanding Franco, seeing him as a good young man who is still growing up. They protect him whenever they can. It is notable that none of Franco’s perceived transgressions has prompted public criticism by his bosses or team-mates. Wander Franco, left, and Jose Siri celebrate the 9-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday at Tropicana field. Times ] Erik Neander, Rays baseball operations’ president, said: “He is a very talented and highly motivated person. He has risen so quickly that it’s easy for people to forget that he’s only 22.” “While we enjoy his impact, it is our responsibility to continue to help him grow and develop the tools that he needs to manage the stress attributable to playing the game. As we commit to doing with all players.” Franco isn’t alone in attracting attention with his actions. Jose Siri enjoys his home runs and shows off on many catches. Randy Arozarena’s arms-crossed motion, especially when it is done while he is rounding third base after a home run, seems to rile his opponents. Pete Fairbanks is often animated and vocal on the mound. It should also be noted that despite any distractions, the Rays have the best record of all the major league teams heading into Memorial Day weekend. Franco is the big deal. He will get the most attention. The Rays hope he continues to work hard for his team. Rays of rumbling The Rays are auditioning and interviewing for a new Tropicana field PA announcer. They recently parted ways with Greg Kalil who was in his thirteenth season. Siri, who is known as El Rayo, showed up at the clubhouse wearing a blue Lightning shirt with a white lightning bolt on the front. Blake Snell is one of the free-agents-to-be who may be available at the trade deadline. He has a 5.40 ERA and is 1-6 for San Diego. Kiley McDaniels updated top 50 prospect list for espn.com ranks shortstop Carson Williams 12th. Taj Bradley is 20th on the list, Junior Caminero is 21st and first baseman Kyle Manzardo is 46th. Last week, a familiar face was seen in the teacher/staff kickball game between St. Pete’s Shore Acres elementary and fifth graders. Doug Waechter is a former Rays pitcher/current television analyst who went 3-for-4 with 6 RBIs to help wife Kristen’s side to a 34 to 32 win. Brady Williams, the third-base coach, will have some fond memories of his trip to Boston. He was a 16-year old bat boy at Fenway Park during the 1997 season, when his father, Jimy, became the Red Sox’s manager. Drew Rasmussen was given an eight-week no-throwing prognosis for a flexor muscle injury suffered on May 11. This was confirmed by Dr. Keith Meister who also gave him an injection of Vitti Pure (which uses umbilical tissue as an alternative PRP). Andrew Friedman, who is now the head of the Dodgers with their $223 million payroll, which is triple that of the Rays, still believes in the same philosophy and way to think as he did when he was the director of baseball operations at Tampa Bay. “That’s the only way you can tell if it’s real,” he said. Ray Negron is a St. Petersburg-based community adviser who works for the Yankees. He recently received the Global Humanitarian Leadership Award by the Federation of World Peace and Love. * * * Sign up for Sports Today to receive daily updates on the Bucs and Rays, the Lightning, and college football in Florida. Don’t miss the latest news from your favorite Tampa Bay teams. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.