"As a young slugger matures he will have his share of setbacks.

Last season, the Phillies 3rd overall prospect Maikel Franco had more than his fair share and looks to rebound in 2015.Two years ago, the third-basemen slugged 31 homers in 134 games split between single-A Clearwater and Double-A Reading. His .320 average, 102 RBI, and .926 OPS led to an early season rumble on Philly sports talk radio on why Franco was sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley rather than getting his shot at the big leagues.Last season, Franco started off slow and he never seemed to get on a roll. His numbers dipped (.257-1678) but his frustration grew. Add in learning a new position, first base, and team around him devoid of power, each homerun provided only a moment's relief."I think it was part of the learning in playing both positions at third and first," Franco said if his struggles. "I think what I need to do is be relaxed and I'll play well at both positions."A late season call up gave Franco his first big-league taste that only garnered the same frustration with a .179 batting average in 56 at-bats.Anxious to get into Spring Training and prove himself, Franco's struggles continued hitting just .200 ( 6-for-30, 1 HR). IronPigs manager Dave Brundage described the his spring as a "Roller Coaster" and as a result, Franco was sent to the minor league camp and assigned to Lehigh Valley."That's a 22-year old young man that was trying to make the big league club, trying to do too much, trying to swing at everything, and trying to prove that he belonged there," Brundage said. "It's a learning curve and at every level he has had to learn to stay within himself."Franco took to the task and continued to work on his craft and since his demotion; he has begun to swing the bat better. Brundage has observed a more selective and confident slugger that is starting to get things going."I liked watching him at the minor league camp with him and watching his at-bats. They weren't anything like we saw with the big league level," Brundage said."I know what I can do. I put a lot of work into my offense and defense in winter ball." Franco said. "I know I can hit with my power and I can play defense."The young slugger has learned to enjoy the game more and have fun with it.I think Franco is in as good a spot as he has been in his career in the last 10 days," Brundage said. "He's getting it, and I'd be surprised if he doesn't get off to a good start."