Vital Statistics:
Born: January 8, 1981
Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
Height: 6-5
Weight: 205
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Family: Wife, Allison
Primary position: Pitcher
Before The Bigs:
- Selected in the first round (ninth overall) in the 2002 draft out of the University of British Columbia. He was a physics major.
- He went 28-12 in three minor-league seasons, including 13-1 with a 1.98 ERA in 17 starts at Double-A Tulsa in 2000. Combined between Tulsa and Triple-A Colorado Springs (AAA), Francis went 16-3 with a 2.21 ERA and .194 average against in 24 starts. He struck out 196 batters in 154 2/3 innings and walked just 29.
- Was named Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America and USA Today in 2004.
- Was called up to the Rockies in August 2004 and went 3-2 in seven appearances.
- Went 14-12 with a 5.68 ERA in his first full big-league season in 2005.
- Played for Canada in the World Baseball Classic before the 2006 season. He became the first Canadian pitcher to win a postseason game in the 2007 Division Series with the Rockies.
- Went 17-9 for Colorado in 2007, emerging as the ace of the staff as the Rockies won their first National League pennant.
