Page 29 - 2020 Angels Media Guide

front office

special assistant
ERIC CHAVEZ to the general manager

On October 26, 2015, the Angels hired former American League Gold Glover Eric
Chavez (sha-VEZ) as a special assistant to GM Billy Eppler. Chavez’s duties include on-
field instruction during Spring Training and scouting throughout all levels during the
season, similar duties to his previous position with the New York Yankees.
Chavez, 42, retired as a player after the 2014 season and spent 2015 as a
special assignment scout under Yankees’ General Manager Brian Cashman.
Also in 2015, Chavez worked as a part-time color broadcaster for Oakland A’s front office
games on Comcast Sportsnet .
Eric played 17 seasons in the big leagues, spending his first 13 with the Athletics after a first round
selection in 1996 (10th overall pick). His best years came from 2001-06, where he won six consecutive
Gold Glove Awards®, batted .273 and averaged 29 homers & 96 RBI per season. In 2002, he was part
of Oakland’s historic 20-game win streak and claimed the Silver Slugger Award® that season. His finest
campaign came in 2001 hitting .288 with 32 HRs and 114 RBI (.878 OPS). Chavez collected 25+ home
runs six times and over 100 RBI on four occasions and is lauded as one of the top third basemen during
his tenure.
A native of San Diego, CA, Chavez resides in Paradise Valley, AZ. He has three children (Diego, Dolce
and Cruz).

special assistant
BEN FRANCISCO to the general manager

Francisco enters his fifth season in the Angels organization in 2020 and first as
Special Assistant to Angels GM Billy Eppler. In his current position, he continues
to focus on all scouting elements for the organization with a special focus on the
Club's efforts in the upcoming draft. Francisco is also involved with the Club's
minor league development efforts as well as international scouting. Prior to his
promotion, Francisco spent his first four years (2016-19) in the Angel organization
as a pro scout.
A Southern California native, Francisco, 38, was drafted by the Indians in the
fifth round of the 2002 draft out of the University of California, Berkley. He made his debut May 1, 2007
and would go on to enjoy a seven-year big league career with the Indians, Phillies, Blue Jays, Astros, Rays
and Yankees. Over the course of 563 Major League games, Francisco hit .253 (400/1579) with 50 home
runs and 190 RBI, including consecutive 30 doubles/15 home run seasons in 2008 and 2009 . The former
outfielder would also made three different trips to the postseason, including the 2009 World Series with
the Phillies (Yankees would win the series in six games).
Francisco prepped at Servite High School (Anaheim, CA), which sits less than 10 miles from Angel
Stadium.

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