Yankees sign outfielder Ben Francisco

The New York Yankees today announced they have signed outfielder Ben Francisco to a minor league contract.

Francisco, 31, is a career .257 (395-for-1,535) batter with 195 runs, 104 doubles, 49 home runs and 189RBI in 542 games over parts of six seasons. He has made starts at all three outfield positions (175 starts in left, 39 in center and 123 in right). Originally drafted by the Indians in the fifth round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft, he has appeared in 17 career postseason games - all with Philadelphia (.105, 2-for-19, 1HR, 3RBI).

He played the 2012 season with Toronto, Houston and Tampa Bay where he combined to hit .240 (46-for-192) with 14 doubles, four home runs and 15RBI in 82 games.

Francisco hit .400 (8-for-20) with six doubles and two RBI in 11 games as a minor league invitee with the Cleveland Indians this spring. He was released by the Indians earlier today.