AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 03 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTime for Braves to demote “The Chosen One”?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’d like to start this by saying we all need to take a deep breath, relax just a bit before tonight’s big pitching matchup, and consider the words of the great Tom Waits, who I am going to see at the Fox Theatre on Saturday night before flying to Los Angeles to continue coverage of this strange season.
From an internet interview not long ago, Waits when asked what’s heaven for him, replied: “Me and my wife on Route 66 with a pot of coffee, a cheap guitar, pawnshop tape recorder in a Motel 6, and a car that runs good parked right by the door.”
OK, now let’s get back to The Francoeur Thing.
No, but seriously, it does say a lot about how this guy’s captivated the local fan base, the media, and blog denizens in far-flung corners of Braves Nation that we’ve spent so many hours examining Frenchy’s Great Decline of ’08, doesn’t it?
Well, that plus it says a lot about how a young hometown player who’s featured so prominently in team marketing can also stay in a lineup a lot longer, not to mention keep his spot on the major league roster longer, than a similarly performing obscure player could be expected to survive in the same circumstances.
Then again, consider the options the Braves had for right field while Mark Kotsay and Matt Diaz were on the DL the past five weeks of so. The Great Decline had not quite reached the epic proportions it has reached in the last week or two, and the Braves certainly weren’t going to run out an outfield on a regular basis that included Brandon Jones, Gregor Blanco and Greg Norton (even Omar Infante was hurt and unavailable most of the past week).
But things could get interesting. With Kotsay back from the DL, and Diaz expected back in a week or so, the Braves will have a difficult decision to make (not difficult in the eyes of most of you and us in the pressbox, but difficult for team officials because of what I said above, about the marketing and all the little kiddies running around in their No. 7 jerseys in the stands, all that).
On the one hand, they risk possible backlash for sending to the minors a kid they’ve built their “brand” around, their advertising, all that (hey, stop howling, I’m just giving you the facts as I understand them).
But on the other hand, they risk what, to me, is far worse backlash — from fans who want to, and need to, think their team puts winning first, and doesn’t show favoritism or make seemingly illogical decisions when it comes to personnel, choosing to sit or send down, say, Gregor Blanco instead of Francoeur, since Francoeur is not out of minor league options, needs a lot of work to get his swing and confidence back, and isn’t doing much at all to help the team win.
On the contrary, Francoeur’s slump has reached epic proportions and become a distraction, the center of too much attention. How can the kid possibly get straightened out in this environment, when he and his teammates are being asked about The Slump every day, every night, on radio, on TV, in the clubhouse.
And when the fans at Turner Field have begun booing him after every failed at-bat, louder than ever last night as he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and grounded into a double play with bases loaded. How is he going to snap out of this funk with this chaos and inquisition that’s building around him?
Here are the numbers. Warning, this is not for those with sensitive stomachs:
Francoeur is hitting .236 with 19 doubles, eight homers, 41 RBI, 20 walks, 62 strikeouts, a .291 OBP and .379 slugging percentage - and those are the relatively good numbers, the overall numbers.
Then we get into the nastier stuff. He’s hit .215 against lefties (keep in mind, he’s a right-handed hitter).
He’s hitting .202 (20-for-99) with runners in scoring position, with 23 strikeouts and seven double plays grounded into (a year ago today, Francoeur was hitting .344 with RISP in almost the exact same number of at-bats).
He’s hitting .200 (10-for-50) in the late innings of close games.
He’s 2-for-20 with the bases loaded, which is almost unimaginable. In half of those at-bats, he’s either struck out or grounded into a double play.
For those who think he’s better off taking the first pitch, well, I know where you’re coming from. But it ain’t so, not with Francoeur, at least not statistically.
After getting behind 0-1 in counts, he’s hit .226 in 177 at-bats. After being ahead 1-0, he’s hit .214 in 98 at-bats.
And with two strikes? Oh, you don’t want to know (.158, 24-for-152 with 62 strikeouts and six walks).
In 55 night games, he’s hit .203 with three homers and a .250 OBP.
Now, the deepening slump: He’s hit .211 (48-for-228) with five homers and 53 strikeouts in 59 games since April 29. At Turner Field during that period, he’s hit .205 with three homers, 12 RBIs and 31 strikeouts in 31 games.
Since June 3, Francoeur has hit .194 (20-for-103) with one homer and seven RBis in 27 games, with 25 strikeouts, a .245 OBP and .262 slugging percentage. That’s a .507 OPS in his past 27 games.
And in his past 14 games, Francoeur is 6-for-48 (.125) with no extra-base hits, one RBI and 16 strikeouts with three walks.
So unless he has a big turnaround in the next week, would the Braves really keep him in the lineup, or even on the roster, if it meant having to send down another outfielder?
Blanco has hit .338 with eight RBI and a .400 OBP in his past 18 games, including 13-for-25 (.520) with three walks and two strikeouts during a current six-game hitting streak.
Might the Braves consider moving Kotsay to right fielder, Blanco to center, and Diaz in left? Josh Anderson or Brandon Jones could be a fourth outfielder if they want Francoeur to go to Richmond and work on the changes that he’s working on now in the batting cage with hitting coach Terry Pendleton.
T.P. told me last night that they’re at the point now of breaking down Francoeur’s swing, getting him to do some entirely different things than he’s done in the past, and that this is stuff he has to get comfortable with outside of the games, not try to do while he’s up there facing major league pitchers.
Chipper had this to say about Francoeur’s situation and what he’d say to him or is saying to him:
“Keep your chin up. Keep coming to work, keep working hard. It’s a tough time for him. He’s never struggled up to this point [of his life], ever. He’s always been The Chosen One, as we like to call him. But this game will humble you.
“I’d like to see a little more of the enthusiasm he showed earlier in his career. He’s really down on himself right now, and I think it will help him come out of it a little quicker if he doesn’t take the game as seriously as he is.”
OK, gotta get to the ballpark. First, a tune. Oh, and ask me about Kotsay’s scouting report on Hanson later. It’s not a long one, but he did talk about him. I don’t have time to find the quotes right now, but will later.
”WE’RE JUST FRIENDS” by Jeff Tweedy (Wilco)
Over and over and over again
You say that we’re just friends
Forget the implications
Infatuations end
If love’s so easy, why’s it hard
I can’t imagine ever being apart
I’ll come back to you
It’d be brand new
But I promise
We’re just friends
Over and over and over again
I try to make amends
For everything that I’ve done wrong
My whole world just spins
Make some coffee, hold me up
Try to talk me out of giving up
I’ll come back to you
It’ll be brand new
But I promise
We’re just friends
Comments
By chuckaluck
July 3, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
first
By JimD
July 3, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Hate to say it DOB, but you are correct sir. Time to send him down and let him regain his stroke against minor league pitching. It is the ONLY solution at this point that hasn’t been tried.
By Fred Secunda
July 3, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
First?
By Interested Observer
July 3, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
i don’t buy all this marketing stuff. I think most of realize what we’re talking about with Francouer is maybe two or three weeks at Richmond to clear his head and work on what he needs to work on. It’s not punishment or sending him off to Siberia never to be heard from again. It’s just the best way to get him over his funk. Wouldn’t it be better from a marketing standpoint to have Francouer go down for a few weeks and then hopefully come back closer to himself and ready to contribute, rather to continue costing the Braves wins and games in the standings while looking ridiculously awful in the process. It really has become quite comical.
I understand the issues with the recent lack of depth. But now that we’re getting some people back, there really is no more excuses. I don’t think most of us are down on Frenchy for the long-run. We’re just want to see him break out of it and show improvement. It’s clear now that the fastest way to make that happen is to get him out of the spotlight and take the pressure off. Besides, Chris Chambliss is the hitting coach at Richmond and as I recall he’s a pretty good one.
By NCBravesFan
July 3, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
I think if the Braves can feel confident that Jeff’s replacement has a reasonable chance to put some numbers up and help the team win, a stint in the minors makes sense.
Where they would send him is another question - wherever the best coaching is available, combined with the lack of media spotlight would seem best in my view.
I tip my cap to the kid for trying hard during a savage spell, and to Bobby & the coaches for not making a bad situation even worse by throwing him under the bus.
By Shaun
July 3, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
There is definitely something to the luck argument that Neyer puts forth as the reason that Francoeur’s numbers are significantly worse than his .272/.314/.448.
His K rate is actually a little lower than his career rate.
His walk rate is a little higher.
He’s on pace for close to as many homers and doubles as he had last season. He already has more triples.
His line-drive rate his higher. His groundball rate is very slightly higher. His fly ball rate is lower. His infield fly ball rate is much lower.
The only area where Neyer could be wrong about Francoeur and bad luck is that his line-drives are weaker this season than in the past, which is quite possible.
But the more I try to find areas of disagreement with Neyer’s thoughts on Francoeur and bad luck, the more I see that there is probably a lot to it.
By JD
July 3, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Richmond? Send him to Myrtle Beach - that’s about where he belongs now.
By Austin
July 3, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
I wanna wish everybody on the blog an early happy 4th! Im bout to head out to Alabama with my parents to see my grandparents. No Peachtree TV in ‘BAMA!
GO BRAVES!
GOD BLESS AMERICA GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AS WELL.
By Will
July 3, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Send him back to Parkview if you have to. His head is thinking contract.
By Shaun
July 3, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, where do you see line-drive, groundball and fly ball percentage on baseballreference.com?
By 18 Wheels of Love
July 3, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Great stuff on XM earlier today DOB. Really enjoyed it…although at times it sounded like you might have been making a BBQ sammich, which is completely understandable.
BBQ sammich > Frenchy demotion
By Rye
July 3, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Right you are, DOB. I know Francoeur’s situation is completely different than Rick Ankiel’s when he was a pitcher, but remember what happened to Ankiel when he went to the minors for all those seasons early in the decade? He began to have fun again. I’m not saying Francoeur needs to spend 5 years in the minors and learn a new position, but if he goes for 15-30 days, the pressure will be off, he can loosen up, find his stroke, have some fun, and come back better than ever.
By MGL
July 3, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Diaz is hitting .333 this year against lefties. Frenchy, while not good either way is doing better against righties. Maybe the best start is to have Blanco, Diaz and Kotsay in against LHP, and Frenchy, Blanco and Kotsay against RHP.
By Will
July 3, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Send him back to Parkview if you have to. His head is thinking contract.
By BossLady
July 3, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
You know it is bad when friends and families are arguing over Francoeur. We can’t watch a game unless he spoils the day with his plate appearances.
The fans are booing, he is getting downright depressed and his team mates are feeling bad for him.
He needs to go away to the minors and learn how to hit major league pitching. It is very bad when the other team’s pitchers take him for an automatic out and know they can get out of trouble when he comes up to bat. That must me tearing the “kid” up inside. I can call him a kid from a parental standpoint.
By DAP
July 3, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
DOB thanx for the new blog…ive got a question for you…
are there rules about sending a player to the DL about HOW hurt they are? does there have to be a doctor note or something to DL a player? and have injuries ever been faked or exaggerated in roder to put a player on the DL? i understand if you cant answer that last one…but im just wondering. we all know jeff’s ankle has been hurt pretty much all year…can they just DL him or what?
just trying to think of a way they could legitamatly get him off the roster without doing PR damamge, or mental damamge to jeff.
By Jimmy
July 3, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
I have Francoeur on my Braves team on PS3 MLB The Show.. and he’s just a consistent striking out with RISP (normally at 3rd with less than 2 outs).
By JonBee
July 3, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
As I watch the pain grow in Frenchy and in the fans, I think of other players over the years who just suddenly “lost it.” Most notable ones are pitchers (Steve Blass, Rick Ankiel, the McDaniel brothers). Two of them changed positions and the other two never made it back. It was sad in those days - but there have been others who went into prolonged slumps who pulled out of it and had pretty good careers (Harmon Killebrew and other ‘Bonus Babies’ from the 50’s come to mind). With the pitchers, minor leagues was the destination; Harmon was kept up on the bench for awhile and then worked his way back into the lineup. His problem was he had no position he played well so sitting him actually helped defensively. I admire Bobby Cox and his loyalty to his players - when this is all done, we will look at that patience and see it was a good thing for Jeff. Good music choice, DOB - Frenchy will be back, but the fans will never have the same feeling for him, now will he for them, after all this is done. BUT HE WILL BE BACK AND BE A VALUABLE PART OF THIS TEAM!
By AZBravoFan
July 3, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
DOB: Are we sure Frenchy is healthy? I know he had that knee or ankle thing earlier in the year. Could be he trying to play through pain so he can “help” his team through a tough stretch? Or maybe the early season pain got him into some bad compensatory habits?
By Braveheart
July 3, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Shaun, then there’s a problem because baseball-reference has different stats than fangraphs. Baseball-reference has Francoeur hitting grounders 45% of the time, flyballs 38% of the time, line drives 17% of the time. Fangraphs says Francoeur has hit grounders 44% of the time, flyballs 35% of the time and line drives 21% of the time. It could be that fangraphs is less accurate in differentiating between line drives and flyballs. The problem probably lies with the notorious fliner that is not quite a line drive and not quite a fly ball.
By rupert
July 3, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
for the love of God send him down, please.
i’m sure the kiddies will manage to get on without him, anyone who knows anything about baseball knows the answer to this problem, hell DOB didn’t even mention possible backlash from players, they see it, they see the marketing s** and then see the double standard he gets…
By Chop Chop
July 3, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
The stats are lying to you. The stats will tell you that it is all due to bad luck. Francoeur has been struggling with his swing mechanics for weeks. He’s making it worse. In turn, his luck keeps getting worse and worse. His BABiP has been bad all year, but the bottom really didn’t fall out until June. His BABiP in June was a horrific .247. Most pitchers would kill to have that stat, so we know that kind of number kills a hitter’s effectiveness.
I think it’s very easy for someone to blame Francoeur’s issues almost completely on bad luck. Bad luck turns around for players.
Instead, I believe that it is Francoeur’s reaction to the bad luck that is killing his season. I don’t how a player snaps out of that. A trip down to the minors might be the answer.
By NOT THE PROBLEM
July 3, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
FRENCHY’S poor batting is not the reason this team is losing.
PEOPLE… the whole damn team can’t hit when it comes to knocking in runs! TEX’s big bat ….SILENT. BIG MAC’s bat…..SILENT. CHIPPER”S bat …. solo HR’s and singles dont win games. LF…who is even out there? ESCO bat…..nothing. THis team isn’t HITTING AT ALL. Don’t screw around and blame FRENCHY for this pathtic offense.
P.S. THere will be no BOOOING the BRAVES at the game on JULY 4TH.
Thnak you.
By Rutuger
July 3, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Good gracious Frenchy is killing us this year.
Too bad Jordan Schaeffer p** his career away, b/c this would be the ideal setting for him to step in and log some big league experience in a now-meaningless season.
By chuckw/deadjournalist
July 3, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
An important option that wasn’t mentioned, but is the one most likely (in my mind) to happen, is Francoeur going on the DL.
DL’d for a mental block? Yes, I’m serious. When Wohlers was having his issues 10 years ago, didn’t he go on the DL? And if the “official” reason is listed as ankle, knee or shoulder soreness, so be it.
While the rogue idea of sending an established, but struggling, young player down to the minors isn’t without numerous recent examples (D. Willis, C. Lee, R. Holliday, B. Myers, etc.) I would have to think that would be a last resort option in this situation.
Pitchers have gone down to rediscover their touch; some position players have gone down to learn a new position (R. Gant) but off the top of my head, I can’t think of a case where a young hitter has gone down to get is stroke back. I’m sure there are many, I just can’t think of any at this moment.
Francoeur’s case is made tougher by the fact his is a home-town kid. And when “Komminsk” and “Francoeur ” are being mentioned in the same breath, that can’t mean good things. (With no disrespect to Brad Komminsk intended.)
At least with a DL stint, he could get away from the park a few day, try to clear his head and then go on a “rehab” assignment. To him and many others, that sounds a lot better than being optioned to AAA.
(And before any of that happens, the All-Star break is only a week and a half away, and that might serve him well.)
Finally, while I’m not the world’s biggest Francoeur fan (far from it) I do hate seeing him struggle this way. The big question is will be able to recover and become a star (like Smoltz), loose it completely (like Mackey Sasser) or never quite be the same (Wohlers) … I guess only time will tell.
By Braves never win on the road
July 3, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Frenchy don’t let the door hit you in the a* on your way out …
By BravesFanInRockies
July 3, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Neyer also admits the slump may have gotten to JF. You could see why, what with all the advice (friendly from coaches and teammates, not so much from fans) he’s getting.
He’s never before been expected to be one of the top run producers on the team. He’s always been #3, at most.
When he came up in 2005, Chipper and Andruw were the big studs. His contribution was a pleasant surprise.
In 2006, same deal and by then Heap had arrived.
In 2007, Andruw slumped but before the pressure mounted on Frenchy to produce, here came Tex.
In 2008, suddenly, Jeffrey was expected to pick up the slack when Tex started off cold and Chipper was banged up.
So until he gets things worked out, a trip to the minors may be needed.
Meantime, another bat (and I mean not just Diaz) could help too!
By Lennie G
July 3, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
The bottom line is, at some point…YOU HAVE TO DO WHAT’S BEST FOR THE TEAM, let alone Francoeur’s sanity.
For example, Detroit sent a prized acquisition by the name of Dontrelle Willis back to the minors to try and get things figured out. Also, as everyone knows, the Phillies sent Myers down to do the same.
It’s not as if the idea of sending Francoeur down is an anomoly. In fact, it might be the best thing that the Braves could do for him.
I think the Braves management needs to get over the “fan loyalty” to Francoeur if that’s indeed the problem. Not addressing Franceour’s problems now could cause irreversible damage…not just to this season but to a 24 year old’s career.
By 18 Wheels of Love
July 3, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
One thing I have noticed about Frenchy on defense is that he NEVER slides or dives for a ball any more. I’ve made a point to watch out for how aggressively he goes after balls and he just doesn’t. I don’t know if that would be the eye issue or him favoring his bad ankle. I would think that would be lack of confidence in his dives due to poor eyesight. Again, that is just pure speculation on my part.
By Patrick
July 3, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Heard you on XM Radio today.
Thought it was Bowman for a second there…
By justin
July 3, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
I agree, it’s time for Frenchy to go back down. It’s not like he’s even playing good defense anymore. His entire game is struggling and the way he played last night shows it won’t be long until the Braves will not have a number 7 to market to anybody because they won’t want him here. But then again, it can’t possibly get worse than last night (0-4, 3 K’s and a DP), can it?
By The GM
July 3, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Where is the fan backlash in sending Frenchy back to AAA? I don’t hear or see any fans demanding he be in the lineup. It is just the opporsite. If the Braves were focused on winning Frenchy would be packed and on his way, taking Bobby Cox and Terry Pendleton with him.
By hmmmm
July 3, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
If he gets demoted…… He’s TOAST! DONE!
By Herschel Talker
July 3, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Yes, it’s time!
By brent a.
July 3, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Shaun
I understand with 100% clarity how many home runs Francoeur has this year, and how many he had last year.
The point I was making is that instead of focusing on the entire 84 games of this season, the focus should instead be on the last 40-50 games, the period wherein he has been slumping.
Francoeur had a decent start. I mentioned that in my last post. So, if you factor that in to the entire 84 games, then his season projections only look slightly worse than what he accomplished last season.
But, I’m not talking about the entire season. I’m talking about the last 1-2 months, and how abysmal Francoeur’s performance has been.
If you project his last 2 months out over the course of the entire season, what do you get?
Will you be happy with those “projected” 15 home runs and 30 doubles if it comes with a .220/.285/.340?
I know I sure won’t. And, two months of that does not seem like “bad luck” to me.
It seems like a guy who is taking big hacks, and way more often than not, is coming up empty.
By chuckw/deadjournalist
July 3, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
From early post:
” Pitchers have gone down to rediscover their touch; some position players have gone down to learn a new position (R. Gant) but off the top of my head, I can’t think of a case where a young hitter has gone down to get is stroke back. I’m sure there are many, I just can’t think of any at this moment*.”
*Young hitter going down to regain their stroke, and come back successfully
By Scapegoat
July 3, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
And so when you bloggers get ur wish and they send Jeff down———who will u BLAME win we continue to LOSE..which we will.
FRENCHY IS A SCAPEGOAT FOR DULL BRAVES.
By frank
July 3, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
i’m one of frenchy’s franks. go frency! he’s our man if he can’t do it no one can!
By steve
July 3, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
The Braves have just made things worse for Francouer by playing him instead of sending him down to a hitting instructor that can help him with his balance and swing; he needs to get his head cleared and get back to the basics and you cannot do it at the major league level; so do him a favor and get him some help at the minor league level.
By Seen it before
July 3, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Get Frenchy to the eye doctor, he’s not seeing the ball. Last night (3rd AB) for example, he struck out on acurveball that didn’t end up in the strike zone, after missing a fat one earlier in that AB. He hasn’t put solid wood on a pitch all year. Maybe he’s lost the excitement of hitting a line drive. Can he get hit by some falcons or maybe even a bulldog, just to make sure he made the right decision? Screw AAA.
By Milton Jeff
July 3, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
While we all like Frency in the past..I do agree a few days back in the minors will help. It will give him something to think about. After a few games, bring him up and we’ll see what happens. Meanwhile, work on TEX trade. Have Blanco, Kotsay, BJones, and Anderson hold OF till then. Infante at First!!
By sportsnut4
July 3, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
http://www.total-e-sports.blogspot.com
By Shaun
July 3, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Actually I just discovered something: Line-drive percentage and BABiP don’t seem to correlate all that well.
Only one of the players who rank in the top five in LD% rank in the top 35 in BABiP.
Instead of LD%, GB% and FB%, maybe someone should start measuring “hard-hit ball” percentage. Seems that is more important.
Hitting line-drives is simply not as important in the majors as hitting the ball hard.
By frenchy = cancer
July 3, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Please get him off of the team! Send him down, I like the guy and the fact that he is from ATL, but I like winning more and he needs some time to regroup. He leaves more runners on base than anyone I have ever seen, its disgusting to watch.
By Aram
July 3, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Scapegoat -
No one is saying Francoeur is the reason the Braves are losing. Instead, we are saying he sucks and doesn’t belong in the Majors right now…the numbers clearly show that. He is killing the team moreso than anyone else right now.
By TennesseePaul
July 3, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Can’t be easy for the guy… if one were only going off the blog then the problems would merely be limited to the following:
Blind in one eye
Swinging at the first pitch
Hips flying open
Stance too wide
No pitch recognition
Slow swing
Moves his hands backwards when he begins swinging
Commits to a swing before the pitch has been released
Thinking too much at the plate
Has no plan at the plate
Not thinking enough at the plate
Worked out too much in the off season
Bum ankle slowing him down
Possible secret injuries that are being craftily hidden from the public masses by beat writers and the team.
Over exposure in the local media at such a young age.
Married
Not listening to advice
Listening to too much advice
Curse of the blue uniform
June swoon
Brought up before he was ready
Played too many games the previous seasons
No concept of the strike zone.
And finally, no major league talent whatsoever.
I may have missed some. But it would see he’s got a lot of work to do.
Here’s to Jair Jurrjens “May the wings of liberty never lose a feather!”
By Buddy Roe
July 3, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox’s old school ways and pampering of players has cost the Braves for years and unforunately will be at Francouer’s detriment for years to come. Coming in second means you are the first loser…
By Chop Chop
July 3, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
(Here’s another theory: a breakdown in swing mechanics due to injury.)
Wanna take a look at some of that “bad luck?” Well, take a gander at Andruw Jones in 2007.
Just look at those BABiPs:
March/April: .305 May: .250 June: .145 (Holy Cornelia!) in 105 ABs July: .254 August: .293 Sept./Oct.: .221
Andruw had all kinds of trouble with his batting stance last year. Francoeur’s having a similar issue. Andruw had a bad knee last year (most of us were begging Bobby to sit the guy last year because of his struggles and not a few of us figured his knee was an issue) that eventually needed surgery this year. Francoeur has a bad ankle. Maybe, just maybe, the low BABiPs are a result of a hurt player struggling with his swing because of his injury.
I know, I know…it is true that Francoeur’s BABiP has been low all year, but he didn’t struggle much in March/April (he had 14 of his 29 extra-base hits in 110 ABs). That makes perfect sense if his ankle wasn’t bothering him. He only has 15 extra base hits since April 31. Overall, Francoeur has struggled since the beginning of May. If his swing were fine and his eyes bad, he’d be striking out a lot more.
It’s gotta be the swing…and maybe the ankle.
(I just can’t remember when he hurt the ankle. If I could, I’d be so proud of myself/filled with self-loathing for my stupid idea.)
By Legend of Len Barker
July 3, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Francouer was called up straight from Mississippi. He got off to an incredibly torrid start and even had a major Sports Illustrated article.
It didn’t take long for pitchers to adjust. He’d swing at anything between the on deck circles. I think it took him upwards of 100 at bats before he walked the first time and it was intentional. French was told to take more pitches the next year. Don’t swing at the stuff you can’t hit.
I think Francouer’s problem is that he can’t read pitches. Don’t know if it’s poor vision or poor instincts.
If he goes back to free swinging, he’s dead. Scouting reports catch up quickly these days. At his current rate, he’s dead as he looks at strike three right down the middle.
I don’t think Francouer has had bad luck this year. I think he had incredibly good luck his first year.
Francouer’s never learned to hit major league pitching. That’s why that need to send him down. He’s never played at AAA and might could benefit from it, as it’s a step between Mississippi and here.
Worst case scenario is Brad Komminsk, Paul Zuvella, Tyler Houston, and Pat Rockett.
Best case scenario is not Ankiel. His average isn’t good; he’s just hitting for power. Not much unlike what Frenchy’s doing now. Best case scenario is Joe Nuxhall, After his sideshow call-up, he spent several years in the minors and became a very serviceable pitcher.
By rotomeister
July 3, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Thanks for that summary Dave. As something of a regular at Turner Field, I must admit that it is disgusting to see the same Francouer pictures and videos night after night after night. From a PR standpoint, he is clearly the person the Braves selected as the “Chosen One.” Thus, as you say, he is “the brand.” I’ll close by stating the obvious: the team on the field is going as Jeff is going right now and it’s a pretty pitiful product I’m paying to see.
By CJ2
July 3, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
He is basically an Andruw Jones clone. Good defense, modest power, low OBP, terribly undisciplined at the plate. He drives me nuts, but my wife thinks he is hot.
By Jeff R
July 3, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Given the stake that management has in Francoeur, I doubt they’ll ship him to Richmond. Probably should, as DOB writes. The guy needs time to gain perspective and figure it out - or work it out without being in the media glare daily.
Having said that,Francoeur still has a lot of upside potential. What’s happening now is unfortunate, but I think he’s still a solid talent. Sometimes this happens to good players.
By glove51
July 3, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
DOB:
I made this offer on an earlier blog, but it was right before you posted a new blog. I have the live recording of Wilco’s March show at the Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa on 2 CD’s if you would like me to send it you at some P.O. Box or at the paper.
It was a great show and the sound is very good on the CD’s. Wilco encourage this sort of thing, you know.
By hawkatom
July 3, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
DOB: If JF can’t hit his way out of Richmond, that proves he shouldn’t be the Braves’ starting RF.
By Ronzul
July 3, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
BRING BACK KLESKO!!
By BamaBrave
July 3, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
I’m a bit mystified at this slump of Francoeur’s, on the heels of Andruw’s epic slide… These are/were above average players, and your hitting coach seemingly - seemingly, folks - can’t make an impact. Add that to the awful plate discipline we’re seeing up and down the lineup, especially with RISP, and I just wonder what the devil TP gets paid for. You can’t teach timely hitting, but you can give these younger guys a strategy and mind set when they’re up there. And if the batters can’t stick to that game plan, bench ‘em or send ‘em down. WAY too often, I see our guys pressing and swinging for the fences when a nicely stroked single to right would score a run or two. Work the #@&%# count and choke up if you need to…. I know, I know…easier said than done, but TP should take some heat for all this too…
By Novice Ned
July 3, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Blanco has done a nice job of adjusting to the lead-off role. No doubt. Frenchy needs to be sent down to work his issues. I’ve never understood how he got so much more love than McCann but even I can see that dude is better than this putrid streak. Let’s hope the ultra-loyal Cox doesn’t confuse loyalty with good parenting. And in this case, the youngster needs to re-gain his love of the game and his swing in the comforts of the Diamond in Richmond.
By Braveheart
July 3, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
FRENCHY IS A SCAPEGOAT FOR DULL BRAVES.
I am certainly not scapegoating him but he has to take most of the blame. His failures with RISP have been deadly. In the past he’s hit over .300 with RISP and has averaged about 1.4 RBIs per hit with RISP. If he had hit like he usually does with RISP, he would likely have 10 to 13 extra hits and an extra 14 to 18 RBIs. Don’t you think at least a handful of all those ridiculous one run losses would have been different if he had simply executed with a few timely hits with RISP?
By BravesFan79
July 3, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
This is why the Phillies are in 1st and were in 4th place. The Phills send down one of there top starters to get things worked out…..instead of running him out there game after game after game with the SAME results!
Redmen, Woodward, Orr, Thorman, Andrew and Now Corky and Frenchy. All players that the Braves should of had the balls to send back down to the minors before the wheels fell off the season!
Bobby cox and his terrible personel/bullpen decisions need to GO!
NO first place team would have such terrible useless backups like Corky!
You hear that Wren….you give Cox CRAP to work with…and hes gonna use that CRAP until the wheels fall off the season! Just look at all the CRAP JS gave Cox to work with last year and what happened to the season!
By prattvillenolzfan
July 3, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Wren mentioned in the broadcast booth a few days ago that it was hard to make a deal right now because too many teams still think that they are in contention…
So, I looked at the 9 teams that has a worse record than Atlanta (yes there are 20 friggin teams with a better record than Atlanta right now….
My thinking is that those teams should be ready to make some kind of deal….
Lets start with the team with the worst record in Baseball…San Diego… The only person that would be worth going for would be Brian Giles
2nd worse record- Seattle- There are 2 names having trade value Ichiro Suziki and Raul Ibanez Ichiro is untouchable (the Mariners are owned after all by a Japenese corporation But I think Raul Ibanez has possibilities
3rd worse-Washington-no one w/possibilities (we can always get willie harris back…))
next are the Rockies- Matt Holiday has been mentioned, but what would the Braves be willing to give up for him…. Brad Hawpe might be available, but he is hitting worse than Franceour right now..
Cleveland-Grady Sizemore has hit 21 home runs already….quite possible we could trade some of our young arms/or Hampton for him….
Next is San Francisco-Ditto Washington..no one available (we need power, that leaves Randy Winn out)
Cincinnati is next- possibilites with Adam Dunn (great clubhouse presence), do we really want an aging/declining Griffey Jr.
Kansas City has a good rapport with Atlanta but I don’t see anyone worth going for…Jose Guillen is a possibility, but he’s been playing DH latelly…
Finally that leaves the Astros (actually they are tied with Atlanta, but they are losing right now to LA…)The only one worth anything is Carlos Lee, but he signed a huge contract 18-20 million a year range, so I doubt he’s available…
So out of these possibilites, if I was Wren, I would pursue the following 3 people
1..Raul Ibenez most probable to pursue. Seattle needs alot of everything, so it might be possible
Grady Sizemore both Sizemore and Ibenez provide the RF power that we so desperately need. Cleveland needs pitching bad, we seem to have a stockpile of young arms.
Adam Dunn yea he strikes out alot, but he also provides alot of power. If you have Chipper, Tex and Dunn, that’s alot of pop (provide everyone’s hot)
Holliday and Carlos Lee are too expensive.
Granted, these are teams with worse records than the Braves. Teams like Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Texas, Toronto, and Los Angeles are just above us. With a small losing streak, they would be below us…
One last thing,
We are 8 1/2 games out of the wild card race
6 teams are ahead of us…
We need to focus on catching the Phillies, not the wild-card
Geez, I went over my post, I’ve never posted this long before, I’m starting to sound like Lew or N8………..
By parkview
July 3, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
For the record, he didn’t hit in the minor leagues either. He was never a star down there, he simply was promoted to AA. He never played above AA, so don’t be so sure he will hit AAA pitching either. He is from here and that is why he was called up.
The honeymoon is over, Jeffie.
By Hoosier Aaron
July 3, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
I think what we need is a live chicken. Can someone get us a live chicken before Frenchy bats tonight?
As Willie May Hayes said, “We shoulda got the live chicken.”
By kenjkk
July 3, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
I agree it is time to send him down for a couple of weeks. I would also either replace Terry Pendleton or bring in a “batting Consultant” for a little while. someone like Julio Franco could see a different perspectus on all the Braves hitting. TP isn’t get it done right now.
By Del
July 3, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
I have two thoughts on the Frenchy and Bobby Cox situations:
Frenchy… If TP is talking about making basic changes to his swing, then I would imagine that you are probably talking about sending him down for the balance of this minor league season.
Bobby Cox… There is an interesting article on the front page of ESPN - MLB.com, by Gerry Fraley regarding Tony LaRussa and the job he has done this year managing the pitfalls that have befallen the Cardinels and the success he has had overcoming them. Bobby Cox has faced basically the same pitfalls with results that are far inferior (8 less wins) than LaRussa. The conclusions from this comparison ought to be self-evident to all who are interested in the long term interest of the Braves. IMHO
By Ron Roberts
July 3, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Oscar Villareal set to be released by the Astros. How long til we pick him up?
By OrlandoFan
July 3, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t you love to read an advance scout’s report on French? I mean, it has to be simple. Everyone’s getting him out, so it must not be rocket science. Like…bait him with hard stuff off the plate, stay ahead in the count and let him fish. He gets himself out on everything else. He gets something good to hit, he misses. In the majors, you have to hit the mistakes to even out missing on the good pitches. He’s not hitting the mistakes. And he’s so deep in the order, no one behind him is going to improve the pitches that he sees. It’s a conundrum, but the guy has proved he can play well. A superstar, maybe not, but a .280-hitting, 30-homer, 100-ribby, Gold Glove in RF, he has been. Remember that Mickey Mantle had to go down before he got things right. So have dozens of others. I don’t know that French has to go down, but he might become the reserve outfielder for a bit while he works on his stroke.
By AGTfan
July 3, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
There comes a point when the long term health of the team and the player take presedence over an marketing concerns. I think we’ve reached that point. I don’t think we should even wait for Diaz to get back. I think we’re at the point where keeping Frenchy in the bigs is going to do him long-term harm. I say bring Josh up to ATL and send Frenchy to Richmond or Miss. Assign a hitting instructor to work with him and tell him that he’s not to listen to anyone else but the ONE instructor.
By LA Dawg
July 3, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
I think it’s entirely possible that this problem could be more than meets the ‘eye’. Given the fact that he’s got a plate in his face from the fouled bunt in ‘04 can it just be a coincidence that this ‘slump’ occurred this season after getting beaned in the face in Spring Training. One of the things that all us fans tend to forget about baseball is these guys are standing up there facing 90-100 mph lasers that carry the potential to be deadly on every pitch. After getting his face rearranged twice the dreaded ‘fear’ may have crept into The Chosen One’s psyche. Hopefully that’s not the case but if it has…then he’s done and it’s too bad for him and his family that he didn’t sign the long term contract when he had the chance.
By MrWrestling#2
July 3, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
I was sitting in the stands last night wondering the same thing DOB. I just didn’t know if it was time to say it yet. I guess it is. My assessment is that he came up too quickly and the early success overlooked some serious flaws in his game. Its better to fix things now than ruin what could be a great player one day.
By Robert S
July 3, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
The 2:59 post by Interested Observer sounds suspiciously like Skip Caray, or at least the comments that Caray made on radio last night. And Skip mentions the Braves blogs periodically (as he did last night in reference to Franceour), so it’s not inconceivable he reads DOB’s blog as well
Whoever it is, he’s right - send him down, let him get his bearings straight, and come back when he’s figured it out.
Since my suspicions might be correct in saying the Braves might be more interested in selling a “brand” then seriously winning, it might help if Frenchy’s productive enough to where they can make their “brand” more marketable……..
Option him. Golden boys shouldn’t be immune to demotions……..
By Jay Bennett
July 3, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
I like Wilco but I’m not sure Jeff Tweedy’s lyrics are all THAT quotable.
It’s all about the music, man.
By parkview
July 3, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Maybe he needs a “slump buster”, eh, Mika Piazza?
By It's Obvious
July 3, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Jeff Francoeur and Barry Zito need to get together and compare notes. Maybe form a support group. Maybe read “Dianetics”.
By flange1
July 3, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Thanks for the Frenchy blog!
On another note, what did Kotsay have to say about Tommy Hanson?
Thanks!
By Ed Glennon
July 3, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
This subject is getting as boring as Joe and The Fat Man discussing the trivia question for three innings every night. Frency should be sent to AAA, if only to get away from TP, the most overrated coach in baseball. If Franchy can play hardball every spring when it comes to his salary then the Braves can play hardball with him.
By DAP
July 3, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
grady seizmore is NOT getting traded.
By Random
July 3, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Quack Quack, Capt Caveman —
I’ve been thinking some more about our previous discussions as to whether Chipper was sacrificing power for average back when he was batting .400.
The way we left it was pretty much like this:
Capt Caveman: “well if you watched the game tonight you would have heard them say that Chipper even said as much [changing his approach from power cuts to slap hit-and-poke singles from the right side to keep the average up]. That doesn’t mean he’s not hitting hr’s it just means that he’s more often trying for a hit than a power shot - from the RIGHT side of the plate. And from the left side he is starting to shorten up a little to get on base vs trying to drive the ball more often than usual… . It’s not uncommon for a player in his position to get caught up in the chase for average and give up his power stroke in situations that he normally wouldn’t… . . If he hits .400 or close enough to chase it throughout the year than I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t hit 30 hmrs. I would expect that if his average dips down to the point that .400 is not likely that his power numbers would increase as he changed focus back to his normal mindset.”
Quack Quack: “My point was that he is indeed hitting with less power. The S% is higher than usual because the BA is way higher than usual not because he is hitting with power. 77 hits and only 23 extra base hits. that is indeed a low percentage for him. The last dozen games or so he has been mostly swinging like a singles/doubles hitter.”
Random: “Okay, I see what you’re saying now (I think)… . If Chipper had been getting extra-base hits this year in the same proportions that he has for his career, then (out of 77 hits) we would “expect” 15 doubles (vice 11), 14 HRs (vice 12), PLUS 1 triple (vice none). That would put his “expected” SLG at .723 rather than his “puny” .674. (All stats are thru yesterday’s game.) … Okay — fair enough.”
But I got to thinking — rather than comparing his career extra-base hits to his career hits, why not compare them to his career ABs? I crunched the following numbers using his stats this season thru 7 Jun, both his peak BA and right before he started missing games.
Based on his career thru 2007, about 40% of Chipper’s hits have been for extra bases. With Chipper having 92 hits thru 7 Jun, we would therefore “expect” about 37 of them to be for extra bases (18 doubles, 2 triples and 17 HRs), putting his “expected” SLG at .753.
However, “only” 27 of his 92 total hits went for extra bases (12 doubles and 15 HRs), for a SLG of .680. Quick conclusion: “he is indeed hitting with less power.”
But based on his career thru 2007, about 12.3% of Chipper’s ABs have been for extra bases (and 18.4% have been singles, yielding his career BA of .307). Based on his 219 ABs thru 7 Jun, we might predict Chipper to have a total of 67 hits, with about 27 of them for extra bases (14 doubles, 1 triple and 12 HRs), putting his SLG at .543.
And Chipper did have 27 extra-base hits thru 7 Jun.
The difference in his .420 BA thru 7 Jun and his .307 career BA thru 2007 is 25 additional singles. Based on his career thru 2007, we would have predicted that in 219 ABs, Chipper would have 40 singles (and 27 extra-base hits). However, in his 219 ABs thru 7 Jun, Chipper has 65 singles (and 27 extra-base hits).
Same number of extra-base hits as we might expect in 219 ABs, but 25 extra singles.
The way I look at it, Chipper had not “give[n] up his power stroke in situations that he normally wouldn’t”; he was not “indeed hitting with less power”; and he did not sacrifice power for average. The extra 100+ points in his BA came not at the expense of extra-base hits, but with the addition of singles that would in previous years have been outs.
What do y’all (or anyone else here) think?
By atlantasportsfan
July 3, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
PrattvilleNolzFan The Indians are NOT going to give up Grady Sizemore. Are you kidding? You really think they need pitching? Pitching is all they have right now. They need offense, because their studs are having down years and/or injured (Perralta, Hafner, Martinez, etc). They’ve got plenty of young pitching in Laffey, Sowers, Lee, Carmona, etc.
Put it this way. Sizemore is like what Chipper Jones is to the Braves. He’s the fan favorite, the one who’s jersey every kid is wearing, the one that gets the biggest roar when introduced. Has anyone ever considered Chipper expendable? No. Sizemore isn’t either.
By SoWeGa Fanatic
July 3, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
I really like Frenchy. I hope he gets his act together, comes back and shines for 15-20 years.
Didn’t Ron Gant get sent back down early in his career?
By SI Cover Jinx
July 3, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Just got to get this off my chest…..Trades are not an avenue by which to trade all of your scrubs, injured players, and fallen prospects for productive major league players. I mean seriously, Mike Hampton for Grady Sizemore. No GM in history would give you a bag of baseballs for Mike Hampton right now. A few days ago someone suggested we could have had Tim Lincecum for Scott Thorman and Brayan Pena. I could go on and on. Absolutely kills me. Major league teams don’t give up their best players for several of your scrubs.
By don
July 3, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
I still believe that Francoeur will have a fine career. I just hope it is with the Braves. I would hate to see disgruntled fans run him off.
By Arkansas transplant
July 3, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
All of a sudden, everyone is on the “lets trade Tex bandwagon” but when I said 2 weeks ago to trade him everyone jumped on me. I tried to tell you he was overrated. He’s never proven to carry a team. Plus we don’t need someone that takes half a season to get started. The early games in a season are just as important and the late ones. This is the problem I have with the most of ya. Everyone seems to be so sold on Bay and Nady. Well, one is a bit overrated and the other is not only overrated but a part time player. I don’t see why the Braves shouldn’t talk to Boston about a Tex trade for Youkilis and Buchholz or Lester. But why stop there? I think they should explore a trade of Hudson and B Jones for a Holliday trade. Then lock Holliday long term. He hits for power and average plus doesn’t start slow. Those 2 moves would actually make this team stronger. Along with younger.
Tex is not the person we need to build around. Go get Holliday. We’ve got a great pitching staff in the way of J.J, Morton, Campillo and JoJo. We’ve also got a Hanson waiting in the minors to fill a spot, also don’t forget about James. He’s been great since finding his way in the minors. Trade Hudson and lets free Hampton next year, plus throw Tex’s salary in the mix and this organization has plenty of room to hang onto these up and coming pitchers. If you ship Tex to Boston and pick up a Buchholtz in the progress we’ll have a staff that’s one of the best in the majors for years to come. The troops are coming in the minors, Hayward, Johnson, Freeman and Hernandez. Have a top notch pitching staff waiting on them and lets make another run of 14.
By LarryA
July 3, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
I am not sure a demotion will help Francoeur. His problem is one pitch that he can’t hit and he can’t lay off - in the majors, that is all it takes. Frenchy can not lay off the low outside slider. He swings at every one, even the ones that are clearly so far off the plate they are untouchable. Successful hitters foul that pitch off, there is nothing you can do to hit it, you just have to spoil them until they miss or throw something else. Pitchers don’t like to throw lots of sliders, it hurts their arm and takes pitches off their pitch count faster than anything short of Tony LaRussa’s dry spitter.
the problem is minor league pitchers can’t throw that pitch consistently enough, if they could, they would be major league pitchers. Frenchy can hit a fastball but he has gotten so demoralized by the steady diet of sliders, he is a headcase right now. Cox needs to sit him down for a week or so, let him relax, use him as a pinch hitter against some lefties for the week and let him work on his swing. He looks completely lost at the plate. He needs to watch lots of tape of certain pitchers, and figure out how to identify that slider early enough to lay off it.
By gotigers72
July 3, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Instead of sending him to the minors, maybe they should DL him. Let him go to the Carribean or other foreign destination. Just get completely away from the game altogether for awhile. Not even have to think about baseball at the AAA level. Because right now, he is just a mess mentally. You can tell that just from his body language. Head down, shuffling his feet, etc. Like he would rather be anywhere else at the time.
They could legitimately put him on the DL. Anybody that has seen him play for his first 3 years knows that he physically is not the same guy. I think the ankle may even need surgery NOW, even though I’m not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. He’s just nowhere close to running like he can. Heck, he signed a major college football scholarship [with my Clemson Tigers] to play defensive back, and players at that level and that position have to be able to run like a racehorse to get a scholly.
DL him, get the ankle checked out THOROUGHLY, then send him on a 2-3 week vacation. Then come to Richmond and rehab for a week and see how things go from there. Leaving him at the ML level right now is not going to do any good for HIM or THE TEAM. I love the guy, want to see him get straightened out, which right now starts with his head.
By PEPr
July 3, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
DOB Very timely subject. As hard as it is for me to say, “Tough Love” is definitely called for. Send him out (possibly further than Richmond) for a while to relax and regroup out of the “Big-League” media glare.
By Bill
July 3, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
Jeff Francouer is a pitiful sight. Good guy but he has no one to blame but himself. He was offered a long contract but wanted to be selfish. He is taking to much advice. His problem started by bulking up. I believe he has some health problem that he is hiding. Hopefully he will figure things out. He does need to go down and get out of the mess that the Braves have created.
By David
July 3, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Jeff should be sent down ASP!!! his feilding and whole game is falling off the past few months. He never seem that smart to me, maybe he can’t adjust to the majors? Sometimes when people go thur hard times they have never been thur they have to grow up and work harder.
No wonder now why the Braves didn’t sign him to a long term contact like McCann, they knew he wasn’t yet a player to keep!
By AGTfan
July 3, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Del I agree with you about getting a hitting consultant just to work with Frenchy somewhere in the minor leagues. But in the comparison of LaRussa and Cox, the Cards have had some tragedies this year, but mostly in the off-season. As far as in season injuries, they haven’t had anywhere near the problems the Braves have had. NO ONE HAS.
Whatever is done with Frenchy or whatever your opinion of BC, it’s time to consider if this team isn’t really competitive as currently constructed. I think that unless we see solid improvement in the next 10 days we become major sellers and look to bring in as many strong prospects for whoever we can unload.
By How many days til football
July 3, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
trade Tex, demote JF and get a hitting coach…the 2 players are not clutch, and for the past several yrs, most Braves hitter are not clutch..
By Clint
July 3, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Trade him for whatever you can get. He’s terrible. I wish Cox would at least drop him to 8th in the order. That way maybe he won’t keep coming up with the bases loaded. I thought Andruw was bad in the clutch, but JF is making him look like Babe Ruth.
By Leave Frenchy Leave!
July 3, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Water? Wet? Pope? Catholic? Bear? Woods?