Mark Bradley

By BASEBALL KEN

June 19, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Why do we have to give Frenchy a pass? Just because he’s a local hero? He needs to learn the strike zone, and it seems to me as if he has lost a step, defensively. He is looking more like Brad Komminsk than DALe Murphy. Oh yeah, that “he’s young thing”, tell that to Grady Sizemore or Josh Hamilton.

By BASEBALL KEN

June 19, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

Why do we have to give Frenchy a pass? Just because he’s a local hero? He needs to learn the strike zone, and it seems to me as if he has lost a step, defensively. He is looking more like Brad Komminsk than DALe Murphy. Oh yeah, that “he’s young thing”, tell that to Grady Sizemore or Josh Hamilton.

By Dwayne

June 19, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

The problem with Frenchy is the problem the whole Braves team has. They always say its early and its a long season, etc, etc, etc. No sense of urgency, and lack of fundementals. A few more young stars, Carlos Quentin, Connor Jackson, Brandon Phillips. No excuses for these guys, they are all having great years.

By Navigator

June 19, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

I wasn’t one of the those that wrote nasty things, but I also don’t think the kid is or will be a star. We get rid of one player (A. Jones) that cannot consistently know a strike, only to be saddled with another. He needs to mature a bit, and mostly give up the idea that he is as good as Brian McCann. When they were kids, Francoeur was the big flashy star, but in the big league’s it’s McCann. McCann knows the strike zone, and will probably be an all star catcher for a long time. I think Francoeur is having a problem with McCann’s success, whether he admits it or not. The other words that come to mind is whether Francoeur is coachable as hitter. AJones wasn’t, and maybe he isn’t either.

By chc4

June 19, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Jeff is clueless at the plate and I just don’t see him developing the gift of plate awareness. He is an easy out so why we keep batting him 5/6 is beyond me.

By PMC

June 19, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

I don’t know anyone that hates Frenchy, the bottom line though is that he wants to make big money for a long time….. and he’s not remotely proven that he’s worth it at the plate. He’s undiciplined and unproductive. Slumps don’t last 2 years.

I like Frenchy a lot, but if he’s not producing… he dosen’t need to be a Brave just because he’s from Gwinnett County. He’s turned down some respectable money already because he thinks he’s worth more… Ok prove it.

No one hates Frenchy, but someone has to be critical. This is one of the softest media towns in the country… geez. Once he gets his average up to around .290 again hits to all fields and becomes more patient people will get off his case… until then, why the hell would anyone blindly cheer?

By Art

June 19, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

You know I have been somewhat down on Frenchy this year as everytime he seems like he is trying to hit one over the fence. Last nite he had a smooth swing on an outside pitch and hit into centerfield for a hit. If he would just attempt to hit to rightfield for a few games I believe that will help end his slump.

By FanMale

June 19, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Please remember all these kids are learning how to hit from “T.P.” Have mercy on them!

By coach k

June 19, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Jeff a very nice kid, ok. But your in the big leagues and you are expected to produce..At least look like you have a clue. He is coming up toooooooooooo many times with men in scoring position and not even making good outs. Fly ball get the run home from 3rd. He needs to be platooning with brandon jones and batting 8th. When he shows some kind of progress at the plate then look at moving him but infante needs to be everyday player in left, blanco in center and leading off and platoon in right

By Jonny

June 19, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

My main beef with Frenchy —and it’s not personal— is that he bails out EVERY swing with his lead foot. If the pitch is on the outside corner or beyond, he’s toast.

By PMC

June 19, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

We’ve moved Kelly Johnson all over the place other players move, what Makes Frenchy a 5th or 6th in the line up guy locked in for life? How many double plays and strike out combinations have you seen Mark T and Jeff Francour hit into??? Countless. It’s almost assinine to keep putting these guys back to back, that’s why McCann was moved inbetween. Frenchy needs to FORGET about power numbers and get the average over .300 that will bring the RBI’s up. The biggest problem with both of those guys is that Chipper has a RIDICULOUS OPS and they aren’t driving him in. Frenchy is supposed to be a clutch player, the last 2 years… not so good. You want the money… you have to EARN it. Effort won’t earn a dime… production will.

By Champs Again

June 19, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

What we need is to get rid of Pendleton and hire a real (proven) hitting coach. Pendleton seems to work with players and then they get all messed up. McCann and Chipper have their own coaches. Their dads. Maybe McCanns dad can get the pitching coach job. Something has to change there.

By Supes

June 19, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Mr Bradley

While I’m glad this is finally a topic worth writting about here at the AJC online, I thnk you’ve taken the wrong side of the argument.

You are defending Jeff Francouer based on what? What have you seen this season from Jeff to merit your position in this online article?

Please don’t use the he’s only 24 year old excuse. Look at other young players in the NL East. You know who…Marlins have a few, so do the Mets and the Phillies. All of them have gotten better over their first 3-4 seasons in the majors, not regressed like Jeff Francouer has done in 2008.

Jeff has always enjoyed a free pass from the AJC media (with the exception of DOB who tells it like it is, but he doesn’t get to write big front page articles like you, Jeff Shultz or Terrance Moore do).

The whole point is, if this was NYC, he wouldn’t be able to show his face in town b/c his performance speaks for itselt. He’s failed the Braves in every way this season, and it’s a shame they’ve realied heavily on him batting him 5 or 6 most nights in the order, so he comes up to hit with RISP and has failed time and time again, and in the clutch. Look up the stats last season of how many RISP, or 2 out RISP did Jeff had. He was leading the league at one point.

This season his swing is full of holes, and he’s Andruw Jones like (of 2007 with the Braves) in striking out and grounding into DP with RISP or men on base period.

Jeff was hyped up, and he delivered a very solid first 2 full seasons. That is why fans like myself feel like we’ve been cheated in 2008 by Jeff. The numbers are not there…it’s mid June. Unless Jeff goes on some incredible streak from July to September to have a great second half, he’ll end up with lesser numbers again for a 3rd straight year. Maybe he’s not the “natural” we were promised to believe he was, or the all star caliber player. Maybe he’s just a good, serviceable RF and nothing more. Are you blaming the fans for having expectations of a NUMBER one draft pick…the 17th overall pick in that year’s draft?

Fact is Jeff Francoeur is protected b/c he’s a hometown kid, and b/c the ATL media market is soft on him b/c he is a very nice guy and all of that jazz.

I have nothing personal against Jeff Francouer. I wish him the best, and I want to see him turn it around, but I’ve seen NOTHING so far in 2008 that indicates he will do so. I hope he proves me wrong. Until then, I know he won’t be criticized from the likes of you, so I hope some fans with courage (not afraid of backlash b/c of the many fans he has in town) speak out on this and let everyone know he is killing this Braves team with his lack of production in the middle of the batting order.

By jds

June 19, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

We’re getting fed up with Francoeur because he’s killing us! It’s hard for me to cheer for a guy who either pops up or strikes out every at bat. I love the guy, but it’s like he’s not even trying.

By Champ

June 19, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Maybe it’s because he has come up with the bases loaded something like 18 times this year and is 2 for 18 in those situations…

By Gene

June 19, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

If the solution for Francoeur is to trade him, the Braves could get something in return, and Frenchy would come back to haunt Atlanta as many others have, like Mark DeRosa. Jeff is never going to be a great hitter, but he can do better and probably will. The Braves still have a chance at the playoffs, but as a team, they are missing that spark that they had in the early 90’s that was similar to the style of the Georgia team in the CWS. Some of the present Braves, Frenchy included, seem “dazed and confused.” There are too many injuries. Maybe Bobby needs to hire Mike Ditka as motivational and conditioning coach to whip them into shape.

By Peter

June 19, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

It is not about hate Mark….it is about understanding the strike zone, and situational hitting.

And truly it appears Frenchy knows very little about either situation.

By Reid in EAV

June 19, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

I hear ya on the nasty comments — that’s the culture we live in. Instant gratification and “what have you done for me lately?” I’ve been a lot rougher on Tex for putting up nearly the same numbers, if only because he’s a rent-a-player with no professed loyalty, with Scott Boras for an agent — which means that he’ll be looking for well north of $20M/year in 2009 and beyond.

I’m frustrated with Frenchy, but I’m convinced that he will come around. After all, we have time before the Tex-sized contract is a consideration. (And I know that as frustrated as I am, he’s even more so — in fact, trying to do too much may be one of his problems.) Finally, I’m really starting to suspect that he’s playing hurt.

I will say this for our fanbase. As much flack as we get for being apathetic and laid-back, isn’t it a positive sign that we care enough to hold our major leaguers’ feet to the fire like this? (Granted, some of the nasty comments I could do without, but it’s still a far cry from how nasty NY Mets fans would be on a regular basis.)

It really would have been better for Jeff if he coulda snuck into the bigs without all the hoopla and SI’s “The Natural” — our expectations have been perhaps improperly raised for someone who will probably turn out to be an average-to-above-average career major leaguer… and whose fault is that?

By Joe

June 19, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

The venom is there, because we are continually fed the line about how he is the local Golden Boy who is a great player.

The fact of the matter is, he is a very average player who does not seem to want to get better.

Any average Joe sitting in front of their television can watch three Braves’ games and know that Frenchy is going to swing at the first pitch of an at bat every single time.

The anger is based on the frustration of seeing a guy with lots of physical tools who seemingly refuses to get better. If he would simply learn to approach every at bat the way Chipper does, he would suddenly be a lot better as a clutch hitter. As it stands now, he is basically another Andruw Jones, a guy that we know will never do anything when it matters.

By floyd

June 19, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

I guess you don’t have Andruw Jones to pick on anymore. I was just waiting to see how long would it be before the media picks their whooping boy, It just so happens to be it’s golden boy,also

By Just a fan

June 19, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

When he arrived at spring training bulked up and with the expressed intention of hitting a lot of home runs this year, it was predictable that his strike outs would go up and his batting average go down. He apparently sees himself as a star but I suspect there is a reason the Braves have not offered the long term contract he wants.

By Steve

June 19, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

As far as TP goes I am just glad he hasn’t taught the braves players to adjust their cup between every swing. That being said, Jeff has been bothered by the ankle, personally he might should have been dl’d because of it instead of trying to play through it because its obvious he has lost some outfield speed, his continuos game streak blinded Bobby I think before its too late. Maybe when Kotsay comes back they can rest Frenchy more cause to me he just looks tired.

By Maurice

June 19, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

He is 2 for 18 with the bases loaded, with about half of those outs double plays. You’re complaining about the venomous comments about him. Get a grip! If it were Andruw Jones, you would be all over his batting stance, his penchant for swinging at outside pitches way out of the strike zone, and his inability to hustling down the line. You know that sounds a lot like Frenchy! Stop sticking up for this “professional” baseball player and giving an excuse for his sorry playing. He sticks right now and forever. Don’t get me started on Tex. How come no one on this team is taking a cue from Chipper at the plate? These guys are getting the same pitches to hit and they are whiffing on them. Professional baseball players my left butt check! They play worse than the whole UGA College Baseball Team!

By Notre Don't

June 19, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Jeff is great for Atlanta and he’s truly one of the favs on the team. But he does need to be more patient at the plate. Actually, Terry Pendelton should be the one on the hot seat. If you look at Escobar, Frenchy, Brandon Jones (I can’t figure out how a big leaguer doesn’t know how to lay down a bunt), etc … there seems to be a lack of patience and a lack of knowledge at the plate. Hudson had a awful inning and needed some rest. The FIRST PITCH of the next inning was swung on by Escobar for an out. Even I know you take some pitches to give your pitcher a rest. It’s not Jeff’s fault … TP is just not that great of a hitting coach.

PS: it could be worse … the Braves could be Notre Dame

By hunterj6

June 19, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Baseball Ken…I’m sorry, but what Major League team do you play for. Please, tell me more about this strike zone you speak of. Maybe all the HD TV realistic capabilities is causing you to believe you are in the game. Just to remind you, you are on the couch, miles away from the stadium.

By g

June 19, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

It’s not that he’s struggling that is so frustrating, but the fact that he doesn’t respect the strike zone. He’s undisciplined at the plate. He’s pretty much our Andruw Jones of 2008.

By Dave In Tampa

June 19, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

People who are bad mouthing Jeff are a bunch of losers that don’t understand the game of baseball. Slumps happen. Bottom line. Babe Ruth even went into a slump in 1925.

These are the same losers that rode the pines in little league, were not good at the game and are jealous because others have succeeded where they could not.

Get a life people. It’s a game who are you to rip a player a part because he is going through a slump. I’m sure that you are always the top producer at your place of employment.

By Ben

June 19, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

He has no plate discipline. He looks overweight to me for an outfielder. I don’t know if TP is the hitter’s problem or not but Jeff is regressing instead of progressing.

By Tucker

June 19, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

How quickly we forget in 1993, we brought up a young SS who was a free swinger as well A number of us said to get rid of him. Somehow Chipper worked out OK. Francour will work out fine and he will become the bedrock of this franchise. Frenchy has the talent and more so, the work ethic to become a perennial All Star.

By Matt

June 19, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

I think it’s there’s backlash for a multitude of reasons. I still really like Francouer, but I just get so frustrated watching him sometimes. It’s sad when you start dreading when one of your supposedly best players comes up with two men on and one man out. But that’s what I (and many Braves fans) are doing, because he has become a double play and strikeout machine. I don’t dislike Francoeur, but I wish more attention at Turner Field and in the Braves’ marketing was paid to McCann, Escobar, and Jurrjens, who are the three best young players we have. It gets a little annoying to see Francoeur plastered all over the place in the midst of what appears to be a regression at the plate. Does he deserve credit? Absolutely. He’s had a couple of solid seasons at the plate (remember he did hit almost .300 last year, even if it did cost him in HR). But we’ve got a two time all star behind the plate, a Pedro-like young starter, and the NL’s next great shortstop. I think at this point people are tired of hearing about Francoeur and ready for him to be the monster we all hoped him to be. The realization may soon come that he’ll never be quite THAT great, but there’s nothing wrong with a Gold Glover who can hit you 20-25 HR and hit about .270 (hopefully). What the Braves, Francoeur, and the fans need to realize is that’s all he might be and learn to adjust their expectations accordingly.

By David

June 19, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Terrible article, Mark - nothing more than a weak defense of your buddy with zero to back it up. “Right where it needs to be”? Guys like Frenchy and Tex need to understand that stats at the end of the year matter only to Scott Boras - striking out with the bases loaded in April, May, June…….and losing those games? Can’t be erased by a hot August or September once your team is out of the race. This kid is selfish and needs to sit the bench to get his head on straight - he has too much talent to be regressing. And make no mistake, he is regressing - he looks lost at the plate.

By Ben

June 19, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

He has no plate discipline. He looks overweight to me for an outfielder. I don’t know if TP is the hitter’s problem or not but Jeff is regressing instead of progressing.

By Keepin it real

June 19, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley….are you kidding me! There was venom, and there still is venom coming from people towards Andruw Jones who (aside from his last season with the Braves) was guaranteed to give you 100+ RBI’s and right at 30 HRs….plus the strike outs, but even with that he would at least give you some effort in the outfield.

Like the good ol question goes…Frenchy what have you done for me lately? There was a stat mentioned last night that Jeff was 4 for 17 this season in bases loaded situations. Guess what he did last night in that situation…he struck out looking. You do the math, I do the math, thats 72 men that he’s had on in that situation. It’s safe to say that at least 60 of those men were stranded on base — thats the least amount, its probably a little bit higher.

Can he turn this around is the big question and right now he hasn’t shown that he has the focus to do so. Hopefully he goes on a stretch of good hitting because we will definitely need his bat if we are going to chase down the Phillies and Marlins.

By Reid in EAV

June 19, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Also: I respectfully submit that 2-for-18 with bases loaded (.111 average) would get any fanbase rather cranky. Particularly when just a few more hits would mean just about that many more Ws in the standings.

By Mike

June 19, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

For such a strong guy who has added muscle in the off season, Frenchy’s bat seems to just drag through the strike zone. What’s he swinging — a whole tree?

By Ross

June 19, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Nobody wants to see him succeed more than I do, but the guy is sooooo impatient at the plate, it drives me bonkers. It’s the exact reason Andruw drove me nuts. He swings at the first pitch 98% of the time, no matter where it is. There isn’t a pitcher in MLB that is scared of hit. He definitely needs to come down in the order, at a minimum. He hasn’t shown me anything to deserve a big contract. The only thing he has shown me, is that he can be average at best.

By Bailer

June 19, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

looking back to the time jeff was called up, radio, newspaper, tv, everything has been praising him as a wonderful player & kid. ever since high school he has had all this attention. remember in the tv program how his mom and dad spoke of him asking them to leave the room so he bcould talk to the brave scouts alone, 18 yrs old. he is like andruw jones, he knows everything and no one can tell anything. his mind is messed up from all this attention. TRADE him while you can get ssomething for him. think i dont know what Im talking about? I hope you are right.

By braves gurl

June 19, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

I don’t hate Francoeur, but I’ve always felt he was dubbed the “Golden Boy” prematurely. McCann is clearly the more mature player with a keen understanding of the strike zone and a willingness to be patient at the plate. Francoeur talks about becoming more patient but rarely displays that patience. He is single-handedly responsible for wasting countless scoring opportunities. Other teams don’t fear his bat, or if they do they need to consult the scouting report.
As a fan, it’s frustrating to watch, as I’m sure it’s frustrating for him. But he gets paid a lot of money to play and produce and has said he wants a David Wright type contract. Well, pal, you’d better have a better year than the one you’ve got going. And Mark Bradley, you’re chastising the fans for holding their team responsible for mediocre play? Boy are you screwed up.

By Maurice

June 19, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

He is 2 for 18 with the bases loaded, with about half of those outs double plays. You’re complaining about the venomous comments about him. Get a grip! If it were Andruw Jones, you would be all over his batting stance, his penchant for swinging at outside pitches way out of the strike zone, and his inability to hustling down the line. You know that sounds a lot like Frenchy! Stop sticking up for this “professional” baseball player and giving an excuse for his sorry playing. He sticks right now and forever. Don’t get me started on Tex. How come no one on this team is taking a cue from Chipper at the plate? These guys are getting the same pitches to hit and they are whiffing on them. Professional baseball players my left butt check! They play worse than the whole UGA College Baseball Team!

By no hitting genius

June 19, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Why hasn’t Frenchy learned patience at the plate? He has been playing baseball all his life. Work the count. The word is out he swings at the first pitch. Don’t swing at it, make the pitcher work to get you out. He needs to stop trying for the fence with every swing.
I agree - get Pendleton out of the bullpen.

By Mark C.

June 19, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

I don’t understand the venom towards Francouer (or to Bobby or Tex or a few others), but I think the frustration with him comes from the lack of improvement we’ve seen since his first full season. He’s really the same player now as he was then, but people expected a super star by now.

By bwash21

June 19, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Because he gets alot of local notoriety people around here are expecting more from him than he may be able to deliver. He’s a damn good young baseball player who is still learning the game. There are 31 other MLB teams that are salivating over him if he ever becomes available. Baseball players start peaking around age 27-28 and usually put up their best seasons in the course of the next 3-4 years following. He is still 3-4 years away from reaching his potential so for now, YES, you are supposed to give him a pass. If he can give us .260-270, 18-25 HR’s, 100+ RBI’s, and 90 some runs out of the 6th hole, we’ll take it. Name more than a few others in the NL who produce those numbers out of the 6 hole in the lineup. None of those have led the league in OF assists either. On top of that he is local kid who does everything else right and stays out of trouble. Give me a break you overzealous so called fans. What did Dale Murphy’s #’s look like when he was age 22-24? At age 22 - he hit .226 with 23 HR, 79 RBI Age 23 - he was hurt and .276, 21, 57 Age 24 - .281, 33, 89 Age 25 - he was hurt .247, 13, 50. Murphy also hit 3rd. Franceour is hitting 6th and his #’s are very comparable…..give him time folks. Murphy’s peak yrs were 26-31. Things will get better and I hope it’s in a Braves uniform.

By Randy

June 19, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

So what is Brian McCann’s excuse, Mark?

By Hoosier Aaron

June 19, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Braves fans obviously have a high “Baseball IQ”. We also expect that from our players. Frenchy is a tremendous talent..TREMENDOUS. However, he seems to have the exact same approach at the plate regardless of the situation. It doesn’t matter if the bases are loaded, the pitcher just walked two guys on 8 pitches or he is the first batter in the 5th inning of a scoreless game…he’s gonna hack from his heels and air-condition the park. WHY in the world would an opposing pitcher throw him a strike?Absolutely no reason in the world to do that in any situation. One thing I wish Bobby Cox would do is show Frenchy some Dale Murphy video of how to act after a strike out. Does he always have to argue with the umpire? I hate to see him constantly argue. When you’re hitting .250 with no plate-discipline - it’s not the umpires fault you’ve hacked at three pitches in the left-handed batters box.

By TampaBrave

June 19, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Why do we look at this in terms of what’s best for JF? What is best for the team? I’m not saying get rid of the guy, that’s stupid, however, a short stint in the minors doing some instructional training is not beyond the realm of possibilities. More likely, a short time platoon situation could allow for some introspection and provide relief if there are indeed fatigue issues. Right now, JF is part of the Brave’s future. Let’s give him a hand up and not a ticket out of town.

By BlackberryCobbler

June 19, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Bradley— Braves fans are sick and tired of lame-@$$ excuses. To me, Francine is just another over-hyped but average player. I, and anyone else that will get there nose out of Jeff’s butt, knows that. I have seen nothing out of Francine that convinces me that he is and will be a star. The media and some Braves fans are willing to too easily forgive him just becuase he’s a local product. The truth is that baseball is full of .260 hitting outfielders— as a matter of fact, he is probably among the worst outfielders in the major leagues this year. What erks me is his mouthing off during spring training and at the beginning of the season about how this was going to be his year to really step it up a notch. Fran-cine needs to go and take Te-she-ra with him!

By Jeff

June 19, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

I think we nag on Frenchy for his poor hitting perfomance lately but the main reason is bc/ he is from ATL. We want our hometown boy to be the poster child for the new Braves. I still agree Cox needs to put him in the bottom of the lineup. I totally agree with “big money, big hitting” concept. He needs to step it up..NOW!!! before he turns into AJones.

By T

June 19, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

The reason why Mr Bradley is the same reason why we were suppose to get on Andruw Jones for not performing.

By justin

June 19, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

The only reason I’m p** at him is he turned down the contract the Braves offered him because he is looking for David Wright money. Say what you want about David Wright, but he has proven to be a VASTLY superior player.

Also at 24 it’s not good when you are regressing at the plate instead of moving forward.

By Sam

June 19, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

When you cost a team 1st place or at least a very close 2nd place, then it is time to be benched or moved WAY down the order. The announcers mentioned 2 for 18 last night with the bases loaded. How many more ‘two men on base’ situations did he fail in too? Yes his lack of clutch hitting is the difference between 1st place and where they are at now. How long are fans supposed to wait for ONE player? He is destroying the Braves year. Even with all the injuries this team has suffered they would still be at or near the top. He is like an automatic out every time he steps to the plate in the clutch this year. Thank heavens he wasn’t signed long term!

By chc4

June 19, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

The media in ATL is so soft. Most other places he’d be getting killed. But Bradley writes a “Poor Frenchy” article. Classic!!!!!!!

By Keith Helms

June 19, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Jeff is not waiting on the pitch or going the other way like he did last year. That raises more than one question. If you know any of the answers, please post them for us and Jeff. 1. It seems that last year was a show for us and for a big contract. His buddy received his and their is naturally some concern in his mind that he hasn’t. Has he let this gnaw at his gut and ruin this year? 2. Does T.P. understand the reason he is not hitting, whether it is mental or something mechanical? Is he accepting coaching or is he like Andruw Jones and thinks he above coaching from others? 3. Is the league catching up with the new kid after a couple of good years? If he can’t adjust,well this is the real Jeff, and explains why Cox and Seurholz have not offered that big contract.

By brian

June 19, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

I said it before, and I will say it again.. BRAD KOMMINSK? Those of us who are “From Atlanta”, not “HOTLANTA”, not the “ATL”, know who he was suppose to be. (for those of you who don’t, he was the next “DALE MURPHY”). I actually like Frency a lot. He is a good player, and he is having an OK year. So what? He is allowed to do that. If you really want to get technical, the whole team is under performing, other than Chipper, but in all honesty, where would the Braves be without him? How to fix the problem: Trade Tex, get some good young hitters and an arm or two (they are available). Atlanta, HOTlanta, ATL, can’t resign him. Thank you Scott Boras. Let them develop along with Frency, McCann, et. al and see where that goes.. My 2cents

By runbird

June 19, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

I couldn’t agree more with Navigator’s thoughts on the Mccann/Francouer divide. I grew up playing with both and Francouer always received WAYY more attn. than Brian. The two were always in competition and still are whether either wants to admit or not. Ever notice how when one is striping the ball or has a hot streak the other is ice cold? I’ve always said the two should be nowhere near eachother in the order for this reason. Francouer will come around, but probably not until Brian goes in his annual slump and drops his average to around .278.

By BAMAToNE

June 19, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

A lot of us are p** because this was supposed to be his “break out” year (added 15 lbs. of muscle, etc.) and we drafted him earlier than we otherwise would have. Frenchy is one of the weakest links on my fantasy team.

Fantasy aside, as a Braves fan I get ticked off when he routinely leaves 2 and 3 men on base as he’s batting with 2 outs - which seems to be the norm these days.

By RandallPinkFloyd

June 19, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Get off the kid’s back. He’s young, he’ll turn it around this season.

By Steve

June 19, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Now Tex on the other hand really deserves some ire. For the level of talent we gave up to get him, I am not exactly seeing much in return. Maybe its because he is worried about his contract. It is time Tex got straightened out.

By TURTSNAP

June 19, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley Thanks for the article. I agree with you and don’t understand why there is so much hate for Frenchy. The kid competes and has always been able to adjust in every level of his playing career. What really makes me sick is when people draw comparisons to him and A. Jones. They need to pay close attention to your next to last paragraph, Frenchy is only 24 people!!!! Good Grief!!!!!

By Chop House Dude

June 19, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

I’m really not impressed with Frenchy at all this year. The guy swings for the fences every time. He chases everything low and away and it’s frustrating to me. He’s trying to get that 30-homer goal he set on 680 The Fan.

He doesn’t even look comfortable in left field. He’s slower than ever after putting on that 30 lbs of meat in the offseason. I do like having that cannon out there but rarely do I see him dive for balls. Hell, the guy used to be a WR and DB in football where did all of that athleticism go??

For now I say at least bat him behind McCann. Frenchy has left too many runners on base the past couple of weeks.

By MikeJones

June 19, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

2 for 18 with bases loaded. End of conversation.

By Rob

June 19, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Jeff is one of the WORST RF in the game today, at least from an offensive perspective. LOOK AT HIS NUMBERS, MARK. Yes, he’s “only” 24- but he’s also REGRESSING from his previous seasons, and if he continues down the same path he’s exhibited to date in 2008 in 09, 10, etc., he will have absolutely no trade value whatsoever. He has no idea of what to do at the plate in each AB. He either is completely stubborn in his approach or truly has the worst pitch recognition of any major league baseball player this side of Neifi Perez. He has been and continues to be an absolute black hole and drain on this team’s offense, and has shown ZERO consistency to give us fans any hope that he will rebound.

TRADE HIM FOR YOUNG PITCHING WHILE YOU STILL CAN. Someone like Greinke from Kansas City, who would be an ace on a competitive team. Dayton Moore would probably make the deal considering his ties to Atlanta and the JS/Wren regime (not to mention they still owe us for the horrible Dotel for Davies trade…).

GET RID OF FRENCHY RIGHT NOW. Please. No more excuses.

By ATLien

June 19, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Was anybody surprised by what ensued last night with bases loaded and one out with Tex and Frenchy due up. Another opportunity to open up a lead is blown when Tex and Frenchy stike out. More importantly we blow a win for Jojo who pitched a gem. It’s the same reoccuring story with these two. Imagine the RBI totals they could had if they would bring in Chipper and his ridiculous on base percentage just at an average clip. And although Frenchy has been less than mediocre, Tex has been equally unstellar. They BOTH deserve blame for the lack of production from the middle of the lineup… And what’s up with McCann’s defense? It’s the equivalent of Corky Miller’s bat. The Rangers only two runs scored last night after reaching third base on a McCann passed ball and a throwing error into centerfield.

By Andruw (I can't hit a curve ball either)

June 19, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Hey Jeff, come on out here to LA, it’s great. The weather, the money, the women, the tattoo parlors…here nobody cares if you can hit or not (look at me, I sure as bacon can’t) and they pay big bucks. Given that its all about the money, come on over.

Geez, you would think the fans in Atlanta wanted to win a World Series or something…

By RG

June 19, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Frenchy plays a very good RF (except for not cutting the ball off the other night) with a cannon arm. Unfortunately, he has been bad at the plate. I think getting hit in the face (again) this spring. He is bailing out on every pitch. I like him but he really should be hitting about .220 because he has gotten more bloopers and seeing-eye singles than anyone I can remember.

By Mr. Impatient

June 19, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

I say we trade Frenchy now while there’s still some value there. The guy is done. There’s no way he can EVER salvage his career. I’m just not willing to wait for him to come around. I mean, this is the Atlanta Braves. We’re all about winning! Who wants to sit through decades of mediocrity with a team or a couple months of a batting slump with a potential Hall of Famer.

Where EXACTLY is it written the team can’t struggle a couple or three seasons? Welcome back to reality 90s Braves fans.

By AndyW

June 19, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Get off his back, the kid had improved dramatically. Instead of swinging & missing at every FIRST pitch, he’s now taking it and swinging & missing the SECOND pitch, That’s progress!!

By Grady Sizemore?

June 19, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Baseball Ken, thanks for mentioning me. Too bad I’ve never hit over .290, as Francoeur has done, and I’ve never had 100 RBI, as Francoeur has done, twice. Of course I’m older than Francoeur and may have already peaked.

Josh Hamilton - also an excellent comparison. Francoeur may not be as good as the former #1 pick in the draft - that is if said #1 pick can permanently overcome the destructive lifestyle that by all accounts should have ended his career. You’re full of insight!

By Keepin it real

June 19, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

And another thing to add…If the Detroit Tigers can ship Dontrelle Willis (once an ace / all-star / golden boy) down to the single A minors why can’t the Braves do the same to Frenchy.

By Jogger

June 19, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

If this was NYC- sports would be on the front page and the main topic. Jeff is still young- give him time. He’ll come around.

And M. Vick was an embarassment to Atlanta. Not because of the dogs, etc. (even though that was bad) but because he lied to Blank and the fans.

By Mark Bradley

June 19, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Brad Komminsk had 105 RBIs in his big-league career. Francoeur had 105 in his second full big-league season. There is no comparison whatsoever.

And you know how many 100-RBI seasons the famous Grady Sizemore has had? Zero. Know what he’s hitting at the moment? .267. Know how many times he has hit above .290 in a season? Zero. (Francoeur hit .293 last season.)

By Cab

June 19, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Hey Tucker

Just to clarify, Chipper walked 73 times his rookie season so I wouldn’t have called him a free swinger…. The problem is people have the mindset that French is a young Chipper… and the fact is, he isn’t. French could be a solid role player… but that is about it… he’ll never be the star we want him to be.

By dallas ryle

June 19, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

benchy le frenchy!

By Cab

June 19, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Hey Tucker

Just to clarify, Chipper walked 73 times his rookie season so I wouldn’t have called him a free swinger…. The problem is people have the mindset that French is a young Chipper… and the fact is, he isn’t. French could be a solid role player… but that is about it… he’ll never be the star we want him to be…

* Also, for the record, French never hit above .284 in the minors … he is what he is *

By Jeff

June 19, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Bradley, maybe this is a sign that finally, FINALLY, Atlanta sport fans have had enough with par or sub-par performances from our athletes. I encourage more of these bashing blogs. Hopefully the athletes & management will take notice and do something about it. We’ve had enough of this crap from the Braves, Falcons, Hawks, & Thrashers.

D-VON: save your crap for a terrence moore column. stop using the race card for everything. its not a black & white issue..it’s a performance issue. Vick was good for awhile but he ruined it for himself. HIS FAULT..NOT OURS!!

By Jim

June 19, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

My problem with Frenchy is that he’s striking out way too much when it matters. He’s late on every fastball that’s 95 MPH or faster. I think his bat is too heavy and it shows.

By Karel

June 19, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

I agree with everyone not wanting to give Jeff a pass. What bugs me most is that he is an every day player and never has to sit down a game, and fun to watch players like Blanco, Jones, Infante, and Anderson only play when someone is insured or send down.

By TURTSNAP

June 19, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

SAM your 10:23 post is idiotic!!!! Frenchy is single handedly costing us 1st or 2nd place? Don’t post if you are going to put up foolish statements such as that!!!

By runbird

June 19, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

And another thing. Jeff needs to lose atleast 20lbs. He has lost a step or ten due to the HUGE weight gain in the offseason. His bat speed through the zone is also significanly slower since the “big gain.”

By DirtyDawg

June 19, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Good point, we do seem to be giving Frenchy a hard time…but guess what, it comes with the territory. It’s the price you pay for getting paid to play (and produce at) professional baseball. Yeah, he’s the fair-haired boy, the golden boy, but those things have a way of being forgotten when you aren’t getting the job done over time - and especially if your team is floundering. I’ll bet the kid at Cincinnati will suffer the same fate before the season’s over.

Having said that, Jeff seems to have brought a lot of it on himself. He pouted about not getting a similar deal to McCann’s…added that muscle/weight so he could hit ‘the long ball’ (chicks dig it), and it only seemed to have slowed everything down…we discover that he has a congenital foot/ankle problem that also seems to make him hesitant in the field (did anyone else think that he gave up on that homerun that just cleared the RF wall night before last?)…he may work on doing things differently at the plate but his instincts/stubbornness takes over when he faces live pitching and just looks terrible. I hope he can turn it around, get hot and rub all our noses in it, but so far it doesn’t look promising.

Fact is, Jeff may be looking back and asking himself, ‘why didn’t I take that scholarship to Clemson instead?’…you’re right Jeff, they don’t boo you there - they just take away that scholarship and cut you loose altogether.

By Ole Man Bourbon

June 19, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Frenchy, like most of the Braves, needs to learn how to take pitches and put pressure on the opponent’s pitcher rather than swinging away no matter what.

By Mike in Nashville

June 19, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

I am just frustrated with Frenchy. I still think he can be a pretty good player, but his almost total lack of production with men in scoring position, especially those bases-loaded situations, drives the fans crazy.

I honestly don’t know what to do with him. I love the smile and the personality, but he has to somehow figure out how to produce runs.

By DD

June 19, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Less hate should be directed at Frency and more hate should be directed at overpriced injured but still playing golf everyday has beens like Smoltz and Glavine.

By glenn

June 19, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Batting average and RBIs are a terrible way to evaluate a batter. Using basically any helpful metric, Jeff Francouer is living off of the first six weeks he was in the big leagues.

How much longer can a ball player live off of six weeks? Comparing Grady Sizemore (a leadoff hitter) to Francoeur using RBIs is laughable. Grady has 17 homeruns this season and has a career OPS+ equal to Jeff Francouer’s best season.

By Daybed Wagmoe

June 19, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry Mark, but I really disagree with you. It’s just my opinion, but this article is an example of how Francouer has had the backing of the hometown paper a bit too much this year. The guy has hit TERRIBLY all year with runners on base (.237), RISP (.226), and bases loaded (.111). To go along with those 8 rbi in 96 at-bats since his walk-off home run against Arizona, he’s hitting .229 with just as many hits as strikeouts (22), and an OBP of .282.

The guy has been an empty spot in the lineup for the majority of the season. He’s had some good games this year, but the problem with those have been that they haven’t started a solid stretch. It’s incredibly frustrating to see him swing at balls out of the strike zone (whether at chin level or in the dirt) time and time again.

He’s also just not working the count at all: he has a total of 61 plate appearances with a “hitter’s count”: 1-0 (20 ABs), 2-0 (5), 3-0 (10), 2-1 (18), 3-1 (8). By contrast, he has a total of 120 plate appearances when he’s had a count of either 0-1 (36), 0-2 (33), 1-2 (51).

Let’s also not forget that all of these bad stats are coming in a year in which he entered spring training having added 17 pounds of muscle. Remember all that hype in the offseason about how this would be a breakout year for Frenchy, one in which he would finally put all of it — the power and the average — together?

I can understand wanting to defend him because he’s the hometown hero, but there comes a point when it’s time to stop babying the guy simply because he’s from the Atlanta area and to start expecting him to help this team win ballgames and holding him accountable when he doesn’t.

By Herschel Talker

June 19, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

“He’s struggling now, but the belief here, as it would be with any big-leaguer, is that he’ll eventually rise to his established level.”

Who is to say that he is not already at his established level? After 3 years, you sort of are who you are. I mean, can you think of a big leaguer (taking steroids out of the equation) who suddenly “flicked on a switch” several years into his career? I’m sure it has happened, but in that case it is a fluke.

By chc4

June 19, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Ole Man Bourbon — not all Braves need to learn to take pitches. We are 3rd in the majors in drawing walks.

By CantonBravesFan

June 19, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

We all know it is SI’s fault for calling Jeff “The Natural”. yeah, that’s it……it is not Jeff’s fault. He is jinxed. yeah…

By Supes

June 19, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Rob Mark Bradley wants to ingnore the fact that he’s regressed numbers wise every season, esp. power numbers. he’s only 24 haven’t you heard already?:look:

I agree with person who mentioned the Braves marketing around Francouer. Maybe he can’t handle the pressure of being a “poster boy”?

Brian McCann is going to be a 3 time all star. He should be “the young face of the franchise”, not Jeff. Well, at least we get B-Mac bobblehead doll night soon!

BTW…I never thought I’d read the name Babe Ruth in the same discussion as Jeff Francouer..that person instantly lost all credibility.

Also the words “all star”. I’d settle for just average right now from Jeff. In the immortal words of coach Mora “…Playoffs..playoffs..playoffs!” Well, I’ll just borrow them and change them a bit: “All star, All star, All STAR!” Don’t talk about All STAR!”

By roja

June 19, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

I’m amazed how there are so many arm chair batting coaches and managers in this city. As the saying goes, them that can do, them that can’t hate on them that can, them that never could are just bitter as hell at any young, successful athlete. And believe me, Frenchy is successful by every measure that “society” places on “success”. Only 1 or 2 in a million EVER get the oportunity to play at the professional level. That in and of itself places them in a position that so many wannabe jocks out there absolutely loathe them and send in vents and emails castigating them.To them I say get a life of your own and stop trying to live it vicariously through Professional Athletes and your offspring!

By Rush

June 19, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Wow, lots of strong opinions.

French is underachieving. He is young, and maybe the expectations (which were quite high) are to much for him. His play is not bad for a 24 year old making a relatively low amount of money. He has shown flashes of talent that dazzle. He has teased us with the arm, the bat, and the image of a good local kid that wants to play ball.

Why the hate? Well, I certainly dont hate him. I am in Minnesota, and have to watch Mike Cudduyer play worse for alot more money. But I am very disappointed. First in the image he put forward when he turned down the contract that the Braves offered. It is a business, but I think some of us bought into the local star who wants to play for the Braves hype, and we were disappointed that he would rather play for the highest bidder.

The other side of it is, he is a local kid we wanted to see turn into a super star. Or at least I did. I would have been sad if he had left for more money, but I would still have been able to say I know where he came from. Wow. But instead he is struggling. He seems to be getting worse. He added a bunch of muscle and looks slower/stiffer/bulkier. He is not swift/graceful/powerful/agile. It really starts to feel like he does not get it.

Why do we hate him? Well, I think he is also getting some of the backlash from the frustration that Bobby Cox wont send him to the minors, or sit him for a few days, or move him to 8th in the order. Those things are not Jeff’s fault, but the frustration is still directed partially at him.

I also start to question Terry Pendelton as a hitting coach. I dont think many people will say that Andruw Jones or Frenchy are not naturally talented baseball players. I really dont know if TP is the guy to teach people how to take pitches or identify the strike zone.

I dont think all the fault can be laid on Jeff’s shoulders, but I also think he is being treated much differently than the other young outfielders on this time, several of whom are playing at or near the same level. And I mean that both ways. We as fans have cut Anderson/Jones/Blanco more slack than Frenchy, but management has also not hesitated to move them down in the order, send them to the minors, or sit them on the bench when they are slumping.

By blake

June 19, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

I just hope French doesn’t read the blogs and vents. When the things people say get in your head it is very hard to shake. He doesn’t need another mental crutch.

By Fred

June 19, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

I think all the criticism of Jeff Francoeur is unwarrented and unfair. Just wait. all you critics will have to eat your words one day. I think he’s a great young athelete and I still believe.

By TURTSNAP

June 19, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

glenn, living off the first six weeks? Let us see here, in 2005, Frenchy batted .300 with 14 HR and 45 RBI, 2006 .260 29 HR 103 RBI, 2007 .293 19 HR 105 RBI…. Yep, thats living off of those first six weeks. Another idiot