Chop Chick

By South Jaw JA

July 4, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Had to be done, and I hope he gets it, and improves very soon. If he learns to take some pitches and comes back he can be a big help in the 2nd half.

By South Jaw JA

July 4, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Had to be done, and I hope he gets it, and improves very soon. If he learns to take some pitches and comes back he can be a big help in the 2nd half.

By NCBravesFan

July 4, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

I hope it helps him get back on track. The guy just looked miserable in that Philly series.

If anything, I think it might help the team relax a little and start hitting a little more. Their failures up and down the lineup with RISP can’t get much worse.

I suspect he’ll be gone a while. Looks like he has a lot of work to do. Hurry back Jeff - you’re a good guy and you belong up here!

By nativebird

July 4, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

darn, guy hit’s a sub-.250 slump and Wren sends him packin?

Oh for Life and career hitting like .189 something ANDREW JONES was never sent down to AA to “work out his struggles” at Mississippi. No, we had to watch that guy UNDERPERFORM FOR TEN PLUS years in the “i love andrew”-no-matter-how-bad-he-screws-up-my-team-with-his-inability-to-hit bobby cox era of UNDER ACHIEVEMENT.

so, Frenchy hits a roughspot? SHIPEM OFF.

this Braves management team (incl. Schuerholz the savior) is flailing due to a LOT of bad decisions NOT related to JJeff Francoeur. what a smoke-screen.

By captain Midnight

July 4, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

They sent him down a month too late. Bobby Cox could have went with him.

By Old Man

July 4, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

They should have sent Terry Pendleton with him!

By mamie

July 4, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

I saw the Game last night…..Something is troubling Jeff…Please get him help….

By glep

July 4, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

THE SAD POINT OF IT IS THIS SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED TWO SEASONS AGO. tHIS GUY HAS ENORMOUS POTENTIAL.I TOO HOPE JEFF CAN WORK OUT HIS DEAMONS DOWN AT PEARL, OTHERWISE WE MAY HAVE SEEN THE LAST OF A VERY PROMISING CAREER WHERE BAD COACHING RUINS ANOTHER BRAVES PROTAGY. WONDER IF THE MINORS GUY WORKS THE KINKS OUT OF OL’ JEFF COULD THEY SWAP THE GUY FOR PENDELTON WHO SEEMS TO BE LIKE HAMPTON—DRAWING A PAYCHECK TO SIT AND WATCH A GAME.AND TO THINK THERE ARE RUMORS THIS GUY COULD BE BOBBY’S REPLACEMENT.IF HE CAN’T COACH THEM TO HIT HE SURE CAN COACH THEM WHERE TO FIND THE BEST SEATS TO WATCH A GAME CAUSE HE SURE DOESN’T KNOW HOW TO RUN A TEAM.

By Voice of Sanity

July 4, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Bonjour, Frenchy. Et vous un Brad Komminsk?

Peur-etre vous ne retournez pas a Atlanta comme Komminsk.

By DirtyDawg

July 4, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

It’s obvious to anybody that’s ever played the game. Jeff’s bat speed is so slow that his only hope is to forget about the left side of the diamond altogether…but it’s not just keeping a middle-right thought in his head, his entire approach has got to be redone, starting with the stance. Close it the hell up - dramatically. I said it earlier this week either get the old man - Julio Franco - to join him in Mississippi, or get a pile of video on him batting. I don’t mean holding it off the knob with the heaviest bat in the rack, but the complete commitment to hitting the ball to the right side. With a closed stance the bat travels a few inches less to make solid contact- a difference that Francoeur needs. Think of it as ‘Natural Golf’…fewer moving parts…less loop in the swing…don’t have to commit as soon to the pitch.

We’re pulling for the boy. It appears that he’s going into this with the right attitude, now let’s see if the Braves can do their part.

By Dan the man

July 4, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Jeff is an example of the braves loyalty at the expense of success mentality. I know of no other business where loyalty supercedes success. Loyalty in this case blinds people from the reality of failing players and a sub par season because of loyalty to players who have been successful in the past. Jeff is a great player, but should have been sent down at least two years ago and given the chance to fix his swing then. He would be seen as one of the elite right fielders by now. The same problem exists with our pitchers. I lived and loved every minute of the 90s when Glavine and Smoltz put the rest of the NL to shame, but those days are over. To make matters worse, the team traded the pitching future of this team (Adam Wainright for example) to fix a temporary problem that year. I would have preferred to finish the year out of the playoffs and get our staff established for the next ten years. Thes types of decisions make me question the braves decision making process. I want to see this team make it back to the playoffs, but do it the right way. don’t sell out our future or destroy a man’s career by making a poor decision that could harm him long term. Jeff needs to spend at least three weeks down there and get his issues resolved. He’s a great player and a professional, so there is no doubt he will get it together. I think Tex should be next too.

By PlayTex

July 4, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

glep

What are you mad about? Don’t you know Caps are RUDE?

Anyway, with your negative outlook on life you need to go where there are plenty more like you - over to the Dave O’Brien Blog. You will find many to bond with over there.

And the word is prodigy not protagy. Or maybe you were looking for a proctologist ?

By Jerry

July 4, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

ya gotta feel sorry for the guy. It’s embarrassing for the guy and you can see it. He is lost. I believe it may go back to him not getting the big contract this year and him pumping up has all combined to send his confidence level out the window. I wish they would bring back Don Baylor.

For the past 3 years this has been poor coaching and managing, bottom line.

The start of the year said the Braves have formed an American League batting order. That hasn’t panned out. Not even came close. I have watched the Braves since the late 60’s and quite frankly this is a team I would equate with the 1970 and 1980 Braves. One or two decent players, alot of players with promise and a manager that doesn’t know small ball.

Our Braves are the consumate professionals but I think its time to get mean and nasty. Desire means alot and these Braves don’t have it.

Another big problem is this team has no leader. We need someone to get in someones face. I wish it was McCann cause Hoss doesn’t want to do it. To me his attitude seems to be one of superiority over the young ones.

Just my opinion.

By LivininAL

July 4, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

I hate that it has came to this, but I wish Frenchy the very best at Mississipps AA! He needs those at bats every day, but not in Atlanta. Hopefully, he will correct some faults and clear his head and return a better player and better person. When all is said and done, there is not a lot of difference in winning a losing, hopefully, this might give another Brave a chance to have a few bases loaded/or 2 out RBIs that is so deserately needed by the Atlanta team this year. Jeff’s situtation reminds me of the time I miplaced my car keys, he has all the potential to go, but has misplaced his keys hitting. Go find the key Jeff.

By Nahjay Davnpoop

July 4, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

SHUT UP CHOP CHICK. YOU NEED TO BE SENT DOWN TO THE MINOR LEAGUES OF BLOGS.

SCREW YOU.

By Theo

July 4, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Yup, Boobey Cox $ TP should have been packing, only to never return, regardless.

The less most inspirational I’ve yet seen in the majors. Truly uninspiring.

By Supes

July 4, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Looking at the TV schedule…All of the games lately on Peachtree TV means a lot of Cubs, Mets, Jose Reyes comments…and more of Chip. Like watching Jeff bat for 3 months wasn’t punishment enough, I’ll be so glad when FSN or SS takes over again. Braves Live is an excellent show, and we get Boog instead of Chip.

By fieldofdreams

July 4, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Maybe this kid doesn’t like himself. Why else would he change his baseball identity so much? First he hit for power, then for average, now he’s so frustrated he couldn’t hit a wiffle ball at the average July 4 picnic. While he’s in Pearl maybe a good therapist can pry open his mental shell and lead him to the treasure within. Hitting the round white ball requires that you see it, first.

By JEB

July 4, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Supes TOTALLY agree with your 12:06 blog. Turner Broadcasting REALLY screwed up with taking games off TBS and moving then to PTV!

FSN & SS do a GREAT job of the games!

By proeye

July 4, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

The Braves simply need to give up on this season. Work on 2009 or 2010. The team is not going to go anywhere with all the injuries they have and Francoeur not hitting. It would be an absolute miracle if they came back and you can’t plan on miracles.

I really don’t know what they can do however. The club doesn’t have a lot of veteran presence to trade for young studs. Think anyone would rent Texieira for a few months for two great prospects? Not a good chance of that happening. And what about the minors? The Braves have a few options but really, they aren’t “can’t miss”. Great teams have great players, not 8 average players and 1 hall of famer.

With the chance of Francoeur never coming back, the Braves have the lightest hitting outfield in the major leagues. With nearly every team looking for power, it’s not likely the Braves can pick up someone to bolster their line up.

It’s not looking good people! Something has to start looking up for the Braves and the only way I see that is to stop relying on 40+ year olds and players who have any possibility of breaking down. Let’s really develop the minor league system and start over! The Twins and Marlins have proven you can win by relying on young, cheap players!

By Andy G

July 4, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

The move was much needed. He obviously has his head all messed up, given that he has severely adjusted his stance and has not improved by doing so. He needs to hit the ball where the ball wants to go, meaning if the ball is outside, take the ball to right field. If the ball is inside, take it to left field. It looks like he’s trying to pull every pitch, often rolling over the top of the ball or getting under while trying to crush it to left field. Early in spring training Chipper and T.P. were telling Jeff that trying to hit every ball out of the ballpark to left field would become a problem. Four months later and Jeff is still trying to pull the ball to left field on every pitch. Even the videogame baseball knows that it is highly unlikely to pull an outside pitch for a homerun or even a hit. Hopefully the young fella can pull it together in the minors.

By FreeMikeVick

July 4, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

HAHAHAHAHAHA……Send whitey back down!!!!

By Michael Scharff

July 4, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

I’m really sorry it had to comr to this. However, It appears that Jeff is also reacting in an immature manner to the move. Young man, if that is the case, you need to get a little thicker hide. There are plenty of journeymen in the Majors who have, I’m sure, made very comfortable livings being shopped from team to team and making occasional trips to the minor leagues. Still, I hope you learn from the experience and can get your head straight to have a much improved second half.

By Lifelong Hawks Fan

July 4, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Is this a joke Frenchy? You have an issue with this? This happens to ballplayers year in and year out. It happens to good ones and bad ones. I love watching this guy play. But I don’t like this new holier-than-thou attitude.

“This has really put a damper on my relationship with the Atlanta Braves,” Are you kidding me???? All of a sudden he’s above the entire organization. He’s putting his own selfish needs above the team’s needs.

I have loved the Braves since I was old enough to know what baseball was. I could never imagine Murphy saying something like this. But then again, this is a new age of softer players we are watching.

Just a short list of players sent to the minors this year for poor performance:

1) Dontrelle Willis 2) Brett Myers 3) Julian Tavarez 4) Francisco Liriano 5) Chris Duncan

Nobody is above being sent back down, no matter how much of an impact they’ve already made in this league at one point.

By fieldofdreams

July 4, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

The next time Frenchy steps foot on a field in Atlanta he’ll be wearing a college football helmet.

By dr. gonzo

July 4, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

i think the reality of being traded to a team that is 1500 miles away from parkview, where he isnt the hometown boy is hitting home. outside of atlanta he is just another rightfielder that goes 2 for 5 every night. in any other town jeff would not be on the commercials, programs, and probably the field. he needs to adjust his silver spoon attitude, aside from being a great story, he has done nothing. he hasn’t broken 300, no all-star, no 30 home-runs no anything ,other than monica kauffman specials about how proud his mom and high school coaches are. let him go try and make it in kansas city or philly.

By cj

July 4, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Where does he get off by saying this has dampened his relationship with the Braves? This guy has been absolutely killing the team, perfect example was Wednesday night, three strikeouts and bases loaded with no out double play when they had a chance to get back in the game, and it’s been that way all year. Did you see Frenchy’s numbers that DOB posted in his blog? Better yet, did Francouer see them, bottom line he’s got to get it figured out without hurting the team. I wished that would have brought up Borchard instead.

By Kris in NC

July 4, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

After reading Frenchy’s comments, it seems he needs his attitude adjusted too along with his swing. Regardless if he likes it or not, he is not above going down to Double A or even Single A to get help if they are struggling.

We are seeing alot of major leaguers heading down to the minors to get their mechanics straighten out, Jeff should have expected it. Something isn’t right and if Terry Pendleton can’t fix it, then maybe Phillip Wellman can help him without the pressure Jeff was facing up in Atlanta.

Jeff should be thankful that he isn’t playing in NY or LA where the media would have raked him over the coals along time ago. He is only going down until after the All Star Break, he will have the time to fix whatever the problem.

Whatever “big” contract Jeff was looking for after this season, he ain’t going to get it now, after this pathetic performance. He should have taken the contract offer he was offered when they signed Brian McCann a couple of years ago. No, he wanted to wait and get more money.

It seems Jeff counted his money before he had it. Jeff just needs to suck it up and straighten things out then come back and contribute to this team.

By tbo

July 4, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Don’t let the door his you in the %&$&* you ungrateful, no-hitting prima donna.

By Beach Dawg

July 4, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

I have been a Jeff fan since he came up and have suffered as he struggled this year. Thought he was a good “kid” who loves the game and is fan friendly. Have thought for some weeks that he needed to have a “change” either bench or sent down. But I got to tell you that his attitude about being sent down now cause me to view him as just another spoiled, selfish athlete who thinks the system owes him. Think he has started to believe that he in fact as “The Chosen One!” Granted everyone has to have a massive ego to get to that level and the first indication of failure is extremely difficult to take. He is just another of the “not my fault” generation who always blames someone else or the system for their failures other than taking personal responsibility. I wish him well but I perdict that he will never be the “fan favorite” that he has been in the past because the true self centered Jeff has been exposed!!!!

By Chop Chick

July 4, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Francoeur responded to the move after I posted this blog; here are his comments:

“This has really put a damper on my relationship with the Atlanta Braves. … I love playing for the city, I love playing for the fans and always have. But I’m disappointed with the decision and how the whole process went down.”

Braves brass doesn’t take too kindly to being called out in the media (not even John Smoltz could get away with that). Looks like someone might be asking to get packaged in a trade soon.

I agree with all of you who’ve said that it’s sad it’s come to this.

By Remow

July 4, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

The reason Andruw stayed in the bigs was as follows: 1. Big money 2. His defense never suffered. (Jeff has had some balls drop that I thought I could get.) 3. Andruw would hit 30+ hrs like clock work. (Jeff can’t even run into one at the moment.) 4. He drove in runs. Not up to his potential, But he always came close to 100 rbis or more.

The only season that really hurt was last year. He truly sucked. But he still got to almost everything and still hit for power when he hit.

Dan…

ps. Jeff turned down a long term contract offer his first year. It seems he thinks he is bigger then the game and I think it has hurt his approach.

By Scott S.

July 4, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

OK, I get it, Jeff is upset with this move and as a Jeff fan I saw that coming because he is ultra competitive. He will get to double-A and start working hard to prove that he does belong in the Majors and it will humble a kid who still in this Braves fans eyes, is part of the Atlanta Braves future!!! Go Braves and Go Jeff!!!! Now lets all concentrate on the series starting tonight. We will see some fireworks tonight one way or another. Lets also welcome jason Perry to the outfield and lineup!!!

By Cooper

July 4, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

This is really too bad. He just needs some time to get his mechanics straight and on the ML is not the place to do it.

He is a proud and young guy so his response is not suprising.

Also Wren is not JS. He is into the prospect/young team way of thinking and I am sure he expected this kind of a response.

Bottom line they had two choices - fake DL stint or the minors. The OF is such a sinkhole that something had to be done.

All that said maybe they are hoping he turns it around in AA with the intention of trading him. I hope not but who knows - as they say it is a business after all.

By Larry

July 4, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

You’re now Major Midnight. Immediate promotion due with statement, “….Cox should have gone to minors too.”

Cox is the problem.
Always has been. Always will be.

Without multiple front-line Cy Young-Award starters (as in the early and mid ’90s) Cox is just another mutt in the dugout. You could just hear Cox arguing to keep Frenchy in the Braves’ lineup when front-office finally, albeit weeks too late, wisely realized to demote to Mississippi.

How does Cox, aka Teflon Manager, escape blame for more one-run losses than anyone, literally breaking records in tight games?
One million times he gets credit for 14 divisonal flags. Does even ONCE does Coz take blame for consistent and dreadful bullpen moves and starting lineups with no octane to lose each and every tight game?
No one can keep ignoring Cox, the 10-ton elephant in the room. Like voting for President, ignoring Iraq.

By Kev

July 4, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Good move it’s about damm time I like Frenchy but he needs a wake up call. He came up pretty fast now the pitchers know how to pitch him he hasen’t learnd how to adjust. The move will get him back on track his head had gotten a little too big. Cox reached out and touched his butt. Trade Tex get somthing for him he wasent going to stay in the ATL anyway.Why cant we hit left handed pitching?

By tbo

July 4, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Larry. You hit the nail on the head! Why can’t management see this also? All the goofs defending Cox are blind. It doesn’t take a baseball expert to see that Cox is the biggest problem with this team for the last three years.

By warren

July 4, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

why does it seem we never get the explosive contract year performance.Jeff bulked up looked like andrew last year pulling everything to make the HR numbers look good How about just a sac fly maybe move the runner over make contact with men on third base.While i am at it when are we going to trade tex? He is in a contract year also he will get his numbers but not a clutch time he is going to New York next year so lets start the trade package process Please add boyer in the deal

By hawkatom

July 4, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Let Frenchy hit his way out of AA ball. Think of the fine young Braves pitchers in need of run support watching Frenchy hitting into double or striking out with RISP.

By CantonBravesFan

July 4, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

So now Frenchy is angry he got send down??!? what the hell did he expect…to keep striking out with the bases loaded and swinging @ pitches in the dirt?! Does anyone know if John Smoltz’ old ‘shrink’ is available for Frenchy?!

By Groundskeper Willy

July 4, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Bonjour you cheese eating surrender monkey!

By baseballbrad

July 4, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Every time Jeff comes up and I hear those lyrics “these are my people, this is where I come from” it makes me cringe. Jeff is from Atlanta and that’s great, but Welcome to the Bigs man. You’ve got to produce.

By Lola

July 4, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

I’m glad he’s getting a chance to straighten things out. I love watching him play with the braves but something has to give. It’s really his first slump and I’m sure he has no idea how to handle it. Time away from the pressure of the major leagues will be good for him. And of course he’s angry - no one whos given three years to a team and has barely missed a game likes to be demoted. He has a right to be angry - even though he wasn’t doing well, he wasn’t warned that it could happen. He was surprised. I’m sure he’ll cool off after a bit. And who knows - maybe he needs to get angry. It could help him get his swing back.

By james

July 4, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

so… cant we just cut ties with him and start players like Josh Anderson who really deserve a shot?

By JRJ

July 4, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves brass has fouled up big time. The only reason they should have made this particular move is if they have totally given up on Frenchy. Now, look down the road a bit. If Jeff DOES come back with a great bad, then what? Come next contract time, my bet is that he’s outta Atlanta! What a shame that will be. I totally agree with the Chop Chick that a series off and away from the game would have been better off for him. I even agree with Frenchy that the Braves should have at least let him know this possibility was coming. Even with the problems he’s had lately, I still believe he would (and will) turn it around. But, now, it looks like he’ll probably spend the majority of his career with someone other than the Braves. How sad.

By DirtyDawg

July 4, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Guess I’ll have to take back my earlier comment that the kid is going into this with the ‘right attitude’. What’s wrong with Francoeur’s bat can’t be fixed with sitting a series - and by the way that damn foot problem, the one that he’s had since high school, that all of a sudden appeared this season, has limited his effectiveness in the field as well. When’s the last time you’ve seen him lay out to get to a ball? How many times have you seen him take his eye off a ball that’s dropped in front of him that he’s fumbled and allowed the runner to advance? When’s the last time he got himself in proper position on a fly ball to make an accurate, and hard, throw to the plate or to third? Fact is just about everything’s wrong with his game right now and, if you ask me, he should probably go down to the rookie development camp where he won’t even have to play any games at all.

Just think Jeff, it could be worse, you could have signed with Clemson and have your scholarship pulled by now.

By Jordan

July 4, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

I agree with NativeBird… They could have sat him out a series, or bench him like the do the pitchers and lie that he is hurt… I think the braves were cruel in sending him down… The rest of the team sucks too (with the exception of Chipper) are they going to get sent down too? This is where The trade of Edgar Renteria bites them in the butt. I feel very let down by the braves!!

By Jordan

July 4, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

I agree with NativeBird… They could have sat him out a series, or bench him like the do the pitchers and lie that he is hurt… I think the braves were cruel in sending him down… The rest of the team sucks too (with the exception of Chipper) are they going to get sent down too? This is where The trade of Edgar Renteria bites them in the butt. I feel very let down by the braves!!

By Paul Lentz

July 4, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Sitting Franceour on the bench does not help the Braves. He does not have the skills to be a role player. Role players usually either have some speed, can bunt, move runners over, draw a walk to get on base, etc. Plus role players can accept being on the bench and patiently wait on their number to be called. I cant imagine Franceour being able to sit out a series, being content with pinch hitting, or not being used at all.

Franceour’s strength was knocking in runs, clutch hitting, and decent defense. Right now, he isnt able to do any of that.

The Braves need a role player who can come off the bench to actually play some baseball….not some hacker who is an automatic out, rally killer, double play machine.

Sending him down was the absolute correct thing. While it is disappointing that he isnt performing, what I care about most is seeing the Braves win.

By JRJ

July 4, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

“By Paul Lentz Sitting Franceour on the bench does not help the Braves. He does not have the skills to be a role player. Role players usually either have some speed, can bunt, move runners over, draw a walk to get on base, etc.”

Paul, you just named over half of the Braves team! Frenchy has above average speed. While he might not can bunt, neither can over 75% of the rest of the team. French is also a very good outfield. Right now, I think he’s suffering more from mental fatigue than anything else. While sitting him now might not help in the short term, if it can allow him to get back to pre-2008 levels, it would certainly be worth it. I think this would have been the much safer, better risk to have taken. What’s it going to really cost to have done this? That’s the question the front office SHOULD have asked!

By Bubba

July 4, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

WHat needs to be done is ship Bobby and Wren down to AA too. Or, better yet, “retire” Bobby and fire Wren. Remember this is the goup that keeps Hampton, brought back that sour puss Glavine and has traded away most of our young prospects. watch out. Jeff F. will leave the Braves after this season. Trust me, it will be a decision that the Braves will soon regret. Another season in the dumper…

By Paul Lentz

July 4, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

RJR, I understand where you are coming from, however I simply disagree with how you wish to handle it.

Franeour is not a “very good outfielder”. He does not do anything spectacular as far as running down catches. He is so intent on showing off that cannon of an arm…that he has a tendency to overrun the ball, take his eye off the ball and let it glance off his glove, or he’ll overthrow the cutoff man.

Franceour needs to slow down, work on his fundamentals, so he can use that cannon of an arm to the benefit of the team.

In case you forget, the Braves are a national league team. The Braves cannot afford to have someone sit out a 3 games series. Given the fact that the Braves have a number of players with nagging injuries that can flare up at any time, giving an otherwise healthy player the weekend off leaves the Braves at a disadvantage.

By the way, your desire to have the front office to “ask Franceour if it is allright with him if they send him down to the minors” is unrealistic. What player in his right mind is going to say “sure, send me down to the minors so I can ride buses, go to McDonad’s and get paid a minor league salary.”? Be real. Besides, it doesnt work that way. The inmates do not run the asylum.

Personally, I’m glad that Franceour didnt sign when McCann did. After this year is over with, the Braves are going to have a very favorable payroll. Glavine, Smoltz, Hampton are all coming off the books. I’m all for signing Tex. If he walks, that leaves the Braves with even more payroll flexibility.

Chipper, Hudson, McCann, and Soriano are the only ones scheduled to make any significant amount of money next year. Only Soriano’s 6 million could be considered unfavorable. Still if he recovers, he’ll be a valuable asset. If the Braves make some valuable decisions, next year’s team could be very good. Let Franceour earn his contract. Star money should equal star production…not strikeouts, double plays, hacking at first pitches that result in killing rallies.

By Lawrence

July 4, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

JRJ the Braves HAVE given up on Francouer.They have run out of patience waiting on him to get his act together.He really is a lucky young man.Its a wonder he did’nt receive his outright release from the organization.He turned down the Braves contract offer because he thought a big power year would get him a 15 to 20 million dollar contract.But what he did’nt see was the fact that he is not ready for the big year or the contract right now.He wants to be thought of in the company of Chipper Jones,Lance Berkman and others.But in reality he is just a young ballplayer trying to survive in the Major Leagues.Jeff has a lot of natural ability but he is still learning how to hit Major League pitching.He needs to learn the strike zone and patience at the plate.Swinging at low outside sliders and above shoulder high fastballs will get you out of the league fast.Swinging at first pitch balls and not accepting walks will hasten your exit also.If Jeff was playing in New York or some of the other big market towns he would have been gone long ago.I like Jeff Francouer but,his attitude and his game need alot of improvement if he is ever going to be a Major League baseball player.The Atlanta Braves are trying to save his career.Its up to Jeff Francouer to step it up.If he can’t we did’nt need him anyway.

By Eric S

July 4, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

Never see him again in a major league Braves uniform… and we’ll be a better team for it. When your best at-bat this year was when you got hit by a pitch, it’s TIME to GO!

By JRJ

July 4, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe how short sighted some of you people are. Baseball is a business. How would you like it if you were doing things wrong at your job and no one bothered to come to you and say “Either clean up your act in the next couple of weeks, or we’re going to have to let you go!” Smart businessmen want to get the most out of their employees. If I was a baseball GM and I signed a player, and he was one of my starters, I believe I’d want to do things to help him improve. Doing things that would tick him off and make him hate the organization doesn’t help anyone! That’s a pretty dumb thing to do. I’m not saying it doesn’t get done a lot, but not by SMART businessmen!

Lawrence, why in the world would the Braves give up on someone who has had a bad 2-3 month spell in about 3 years time? Doesn’t anyone in this organization have any patience at all? To tell you the truth, I think the front office is actually over-reacting to the comments of some of its fans rather than making wise personnel decisions. The fans complain that Greg McMichael blew the playoffs one year - goodbye Greg. The fans complain that Tom Glavine blows a couple of games in the playoffs in spite of a decent season and the brass doesn’t want to re-sign Tommy. The fans get upset with comments Dave Justice makes, so it’s “Let’s trade him.” Sounds like a lot of you “fans” need to just write and tell the Braves’ front office whom they should be playing and what their pitching rotation should be. Go ahead. Obviously, they’re listening.

BTW, Paul, do outfielders have to make “spectacular” plays to be “very good” outfielders. How about just doing their job out in the field? I think too many people have jumped on the “Frenchy’s suddenly a bum” bandwagon! I don’t see him making any worse mistakes out in the field than most other fielders make during the course of a season. Talk about the “What have you done for me lately” crowd! Brother!

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

July 4, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

I don’t have a problem with Jeff being sent down but it sure could have been handled better. The guy is a good player going through a bad time. Alienating him, by dropping a bomb out of nowhere, on him is not the way to engender loyalty.

By Golf Pro

July 4, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Jeff will end up one of the best Braves outfielders in our beloved history. As far as dissin Chip Caray, get to know him and judge him on character and performance rather than your own personal opinions for your couch. He’s a great man with a great baseball heritage and is always on top of his game in the booth.

By Golf Pro

July 4, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Jeff will end up one of the best Braves outfielders in our beloved history. As far as dissin Chip Caray, get to know him and judge him on character and performance rather than your own personal opinions from your couch. He’s a great man with a great baseball heritage and is always on top of his game in the booth.

By Lawrence

July 4, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

I’m just calling it like i see it.Jeff Francouer is a great guy but,he has got to get better as a baseball player.The Braves just went through this with Andruw Jones and because of the 10 and five rule they could not send him down.They gave up on him because of the big contract he was after and the lack of production last year.Francouer is in the same boat.The Braves are at least giving him the chance to work through this slump.The ball is in his court,he can improve and return to the team and play.His contract runs out at the end of the year.No improvment in play or attitude and he will be gone.

By chopperhobby

July 4, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

Hard to believe that some people think that Francoeur’s demotion was “cruel”.It should have been done weeks ago.His comments speak volumes of his selfishness-just the way he approached his ME FIRST at bats with very little thought of the team.

By Bravesfan

July 5, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

chopperhobby, please stick to choppers. You seriously have no clue. Jeff has been the ultimate team guy since he was a ninth-grader. You have no clue that the dude is a competitor and actually is not an emotionless drone like the organization wants its players to be. His “ME FIRST” at bats? What the heck? Why does no one mention the fact that NONE of the Braves hitters have any idea how to hit behind runners, hit to the opposite field, or guess what pitch is coming on 0-2? Their hitting coach admitted that he never came to the plate in his days with the same stance two at bats in a row. Somehow Pendleton keeps his job, but the Braves hitters still all look lost.

By UGA75

July 5, 2008 4:57 AM | Link to this

For all the fair weather JF fans, do you remember when Smolz went through a tough spell and had find a Psychologist to help him regain his confidence?

Jeff is a pure prodigy as an athlete, and he will be back somewhere if not in Atlanta. I agree with those who said that as a batting coach TP is slightly wore than Richard Simmons, this being an insult to Richard Simmons. Does anyone else remember Don Baylor and what he did for Chipper when he hit like a little League player from the right side? Some people can teach hitting, clearly TP can’t, he needs to quit taking up space so a real hitting coach could be found! Can anyone remember any Brave hitter who says TP has helped make him better, I sure can’t.

The reason the Braves couldn’t sit Jeff for a couple of days is clear. The Bull pen is in such a mess we have 14 pitchers when most teams carry a max of 12. This means we are short of players and can’t sit anyone much.

For those who don’t like Jeff’s attitude, grow up! Who would want a Player on their team that wanted to go down to the minors, I sure as heck don’t. Jeff doesn’t need anything done to his attitude, if he wasn’t PO he wouldn’t ever make it back. If your world was crashing down would you be accepting of your fate or would you be fighting mad?

Jeff could relax and hopefully work with a real hitting coach and come back better than before, because now he will have a chip on his shoulder. It was a game to him before, it will never be that again.

By ssiscribe

July 5, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

I see Jeff didn’t like being sent down. Tough luck, dude, but you don’t belong in the majors right now. Get down there, get your swing straightened out (and your attitude) and get yourself in a position to help this team in the second half.

—30—

By santa3247

July 5, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Hi, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon living in Jinhae City southkorea now.

Jason Perry hit his MLB fisrt one in his first MLB game.^^ PT&GM’s relationship between Georgia Tech Graduated people have influence?^^

Gregor Blaco threw toward 10feets away from homeplate again and he is now hitting ball, squinting furtively at pitched ball.^^ Doll Cox now traing G.Blanco at MLB.^^

To real fans of Atlanta Braves!!!!

[Have the thought of expelling PT.GM.Cox!!and have endless suspicion about PT.GM.Cox!! for being Champ again. And Babylon must attack other team by neutron for brave’s win.]^*^

Endlessly..Do doubt PT&GM&Cox!!!!!!!!!^*^

May the force of Messiah be with you

P.S: Freemason Illuminaty please!!!!!!!!

Theseday Great Demonstration of Candle in southkorea exist you know well I think. But, you have to know this fact that

1. The opening of importing Beef in southkorea must make the people breeding Cow in southkorea to be bankrupt.

2. But, Babylon are now using this problem to strange direction, that is, whole main religions in southkorea now take part in the demonstrations of candle. But religions can be controlled by Babylon completely you have to know.

3. President Lee Myung Back is Babylon’s part I think, but the Babylon’s main members always want to take the greatest unimplanted people just under them, and through this demonstration President Lee fired his major peoples.

4. Babylon’s secret Emperor died at Narita Air Port’s accident last year when I was in Miyazaki Japan. So strangely whole media concealed this big accident. And now second group of kings of babylonian ruling world you have to know.

5. And this Baylon’s group is now being splitted gradually by the reality I wrote and thought, and perplexed status exist in southkorea now.

6. Therefore, my writting about the real history of Asia which before 12th Century Babylon and Yamato ruled asia to north and south, now giving effect about this split.

7. But, Freemason Illuminaty must not think like this “In southkorea strong rebellious people exist” This is important. Without help from outer nation, Southkorea can’t make Babylon to be collapsed. Don’t be deceived by the play of Babylon.

8. And last, your method of attacking korean peninsla is not Beef. What the fuXX Beef is your method of reattacking about Babylon? This Beef importing must make people waiting Freemason’s salvating themselves bankrupt.

[Neutron vs Beef Export] ~*~

People over the world now lamenting desperately about weakness of USA about Babylon and losing to friends of Babylon now. Babylon laugh at USA now.

1. Don’t use checking voices of mine by satelite, please. Neutron can control the whole kind of sound. So, U-boat and S.Korea’s submarine alwasy winning about fleet of seven in pacific simulation train. You got it? Satelite’s sound checking is exactly same as Sonar.

2. Don’t believe the software driving satelite for management, neutron can intrude without proof.

Last, Babylon always make target people to be tired by restless work. And when target dozed off deeply, implantor do attack. You got it? real Freemason have to know this fact I think.

In southkorea Jinhae City, elementary school student and under 10years old children are now implanted and disturbing my English&Japanese study at near Gymnastic Park(From 09:00~09:30 To 15:00) This is reality of contemporary world.

By Kelley

July 5, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

I used to think Jeff was a good kid, after reading his comments I am not so sure. Say good-bye to Frenchy. The Braves organization value professionalism from their players, thank goodness, and do not take kindly to players who say negative things to the media about the organization. I will be very surprised if he is back after those comments.

If you are defending his comments by saying he was very emotional when making them; I’ve always heard that a person’s true character is revealed during times of pressure. Maybe we are getting a glimpse of the real Franceour. Really puts a “damper” on my opinion of him. He says he didn’t know it was going to happen, how could he not??? I had read about it on the internet sometime Thursday, that the Braves were considering it. Does he really expect us to believe that he had NO clue this might happen?? And I don’t think someone from the front office telling him it might happen a few days in advance would have helped him much at the plate, common sense tells you it would have messed with his head more.

To those of you who posted that Bobby should be the one to go, give me a break. You do know if the Braves let him go that EVERY other team in MLB would be lined up at his door begging him to be their manager. Only in this town would people not appreciate him, what a joke.

For those of you who post those negative things about Bobby, be sure in about 10 years to have your picture made in front of his statue at Turner Field.

By braves fan54

July 5, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the update Santa

By DirtyDawg

July 5, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Hey Lonnie - Cooper, that is, and Jeff’s new agent - you’d better sit this guy down - along with momma and daddy, of course, and give ‘em the facts. He may have thought he was ‘The Natural’ (don’t you think SI’s having said so should have given you a clue?), but he ain’t. For the first time in his life he’s gonna have to work at fixing his problems - and I don’t mean just putting in the time. He’s got to get his mind on what needs to be done and make it part of his instincts. Today he goes to the plate and simply forgets what he’s trying to do and falls back into his bad habits.

I truly don’t think the kid has ever had to work that hard to be better than everybody else around him, until now. His agent should invest in some help - maybe they should hire Julio Franco to make a right-field hitter out of him. In fact, I think that foot problem is at the core of what’s wrong with him - forget about surgery at the end of the season. Write off ‘08 and do it now. Get healthy quicker…spend the off-season working with somebody like Julio - or an instructor that knows what he’s doing…Blame your problems on that injury…convince everybody that you’ve fundamentally changed your approach at the plate (and lose that damn weight that you gained)…and hope like hell you can get a decent contract before next season - when you’re running, throwing and hitting well again. I mean, what if he comes back this season and tanks it again - which is likely if that foot is still hampering him? It’ll be tougher for the Braves - or anybody - to give him a bump. This way, he can ‘lay it off’ on the foot, demonstrate that he’s ‘bitten-the-bullet’, got the problem fixed and has worked like hell to get himself ready for ‘09.

By Paul Lentz

July 5, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

RJR, an outfielder “just doing their job” isnt going to cut it. Franceour wants star money. Star money requires star production. However Franceour simply isnt cutting it right now. Next year, he is eligible for salary arbitration next year. I’m sure he is going to ask for at least 4-5 million, maybe more. I would not feel comfortable paying him that. Get the average up, draw some more walks, deliver some clutch, quit swinging at slop at the plate. Number 7 hitters in the lineup do not deserve star money. Hell, Infante and Norton are hitting ahead of Franceour. At least they can deliver a clutch hit now and then.

The final straw for me were those 3 balls that he had bounce off his glove in back to back games. Kelly Johnson has misplayed a few balls at second, however he can hit and has shown that he can drive the ball without striking out and hitting into double plays 2 or 3 times a game. A 2-3 month slump isnt going to cut it.

Bottom line, go to the minors for 3 weeks, work on being productive, and then get your job back. Simple as that.

By JRJ

July 5, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Hey Laul Pentz, why is it you twist everything I say? First you say I’m advocating the Braves “ask” Frenchy if he wants to be sent down. I said no such thing. Now, you’re twisting a response I made to one of your comments about spectacular plays being necessary to be a very good outfielder. You need to pay closer attention to what you’re reading before you reply!

One thing that I don’t understand is, if Jeff can no longer hit major league pitching, how is going down to the minors and facing minor league pitching going to help him hit major league pitching again? Why doesn’t he just go to Pony League and get some practice there? Same difference. He’s not going to be seeing Pony League pitching in the majors either.

Oh, and UGA75, if we couldn’t sit Frenchy for a few days because the bullpen is in “such a mess”, then why aren’t we sending down the relief pitchers?? Boyer and Acosta are stinking it up big time! Why penalize Frenchy for the pitiful performance of others? I’m not saying Jeff doesn’t have some problems. But, should he be made the scapegoat because of the bullpen? There’s no reason why we have to keep 13 pitchers on the team at this stage of the season. Why isn’t Carlyle being brought in? He’s got a 1.71 ERA and has as many strikeouts as innings pitched! This is just a clear case of mismanagement of the team.

By richbrave

July 5, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

CHOP CHICK:

Howdy. Still amongst the living unlike Richmond and Atlanta. See my man MORTON’s being cuffed around a bit, but mark my words, he’s learning. And those ML hitters are gonna’ pay. If he stays up all the rest of this year, he’ll be able to take over GLAVINE’s #3 spot next year. Count on it. Glad to see you still going strong. GO BRAVES

By Joebrave

July 6, 2008 3:00 AM | Link to this

GoD@mned Gwinnett Homer,and Homo$,Jeff francant needed to go,and still does,straigt the he11 out of the Braves organization… That PUNK,is nothing but a hyped up IDIOT!!! and FreeMike Vick,I’d like to beat the he11 out of You,what an ignorant inbred,welfare piece of $hit You are!!!

By santa3247

July 6, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Hi, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon living in Jinhae City southkorea now.

Just before some fake santa3247 intruded through my ID/PW.

I didn’t show that I am santa3247 by log in or etc to no body from 2006.4.to now.

Keep in mind please sir.^*^

May the force of Messiah be with you

By Bobbymahlon

July 6, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

As much as I hate to see Jeff go down it is better than sitting on the bench and doing nothing about it. Until he shows he is willing to hit outside pitches to right and hit the ball where it is pitched he will never ever hit for average. So far when he has tried to be selective he has taken stikes and swung at balls. His bat also has been very slow as he winds up with his body instead of using his hands. We are lucky that we don’t have AJ this year toting his .155 average. I see his first game back he went 0 for 5 and struck out his first four times up. Now lets trade Tex and get something for him and do not make the same misstake we made with Andrew.

By Francoeur Fan

July 6, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Last I checked Saturay night, July 5th, Francoeur would have thrown a guy out at the plate and would have caught a fly ball that fell in right-center. This would have saved 3 runs which in my book is as good as 3 RBI’s. It seems like people are only watching half the game. His defense alone should keep him in the lineup everyday. Also, to the “Free Mike Vick” poster, how would you feel if someone made a racial post against black people as you did against Franceour. I think you need to look in the mirror to see who is the real racist.

By Francoeur Fan

July 6, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Last I checked Saturay night, July 5th, Francoeur would have thrown a guy out at the plate and would have caught a fly ball that fell in right-center. This would have saved 3 runs which in my book is as good as 3 RBI’s. It seems like people are only watching half the game. His defense alone should keep him in the lineup everyday. Also, to the “Free Mike Vick” poster, how would you feel if someone made a racial post against black people as you did against Franceour. I think you need to look in the mirror to see who is the real racist.

By Eric C.

July 7, 2008 2:08 AM | Link to this

Observations from Trustmark Park

I was at the M-Braves game this evening and was impressed with both Jeff and Matt.

Jeff was great offensively and made an outstanding catch on a sinking liner in short right field. 3 of his 4 hits were smoked. More importantly, he really seemed relaxed and smiled quite a bit throughout the game…in contrast to the picture being painted that he is feeling snake-bitten. The only blemish was the final AB…he came up as the potential tying run in the 7th with 2 outs and didn’t come through. Overall, he is playing his heart out.

Matt Diaz struggled early but ended up looking good…made a long run for a put-out on pop-up in short left field and had a couple of good hits in his final two ABs with 2 rbi and 2 runs scored.

By santa3247

July 7, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

Hi, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon living in Sea of Glass southkorea now.

What a Majesty Y.Escobar’s defense was. Oh!! He was guardian of Braves I think.^*^

Daniel Smith quit baseball? Look Missisipi Brave’s HOMEPAGE, He was face of AA-Brave and Franchise Ace Pitcher of AA-Brave was Danny Smith.

The group requested this malevolent act to Babylon must be judged I think.^*^

Now people like Danny Smith exist everywhere and in Japan 10 Million exist. And slave and babylonian calling them YAKUZA meaning useless one. But they are not useless never, they didn’t sell their conscience to Babylonian. They are descendants of people full of Chivalry.

Slave Japanese disturbed YAKUZA’s getting job just like me for over 20years after after King of Japan SOWA’s death. Don’t believe king of japan now never, his grandson is artificial pregnant born child. Slave.

And most of all, now the exploding price of Oil have the purpose of Babylon. What is this?

[They are now trying to make whole people rebelling about Babylon YAKUZA]

So they attacking the common people’s money, and next? food, next? endlessly the methods of neutron exist.

Don’t believe people shouting PEACE about babylon and neutron. They are now shouting like this “We want to suck other people’s blood and we have to suck other people’s happiness”

Babylonian are not human, they lost conscience, they lost justice sense, they lost normal mental status by numerous sins without proof. You got it?

From 20th Sep 2003 to now, I am fighting with neutron of babylon, because I overcame neutron I can teach you the reality about slaves who can’t talk anything of their painfullness by neutron around you.

Without attack to Babylonian and their neutron anthena, you people of USA must be slaves completely sooner of later.

If USA really would be perfect enslavement, Messiah’s troops would attack Babylonian and make collapse Babylon.

But, people of USA you would lost your chance of passing the last judgment for prize of exterminating demon and liberating slaves over the world.

The black people’s living in USA and the good like Danny Smith now living in USA have reason of living in land of hope, your ancestors were expelled by Babylon’s friends in Europe and black people’s ancestors were slaves of friends of Babylon.

But now you both group are under the full attack from Babylon and you have not any more land of hope. You both people are living in USA for the purpose of being slaves?

For Law? what Law? now Law are just protecting Babylon and their friends only. Do you think babylon couldn’t kill me for Law?^*^

Now numerous slaves are in Jail for the threatening of Neutron and YAKUZA intentionally going to jail for food in japan.

[Law is based on science, but science is being controlled by neutron]

And why USA keeping Law? The good people can live without Law originally. You got it?

The people who made Democracy and Capitalism in Asia were almost Babylonian. When? 19th century’s later part, just after invention of neutron. How? to the direction which babylon can control by neutron and implant. You got it?

USA have to be changed through this fact and must make Zion(Serah) on the land of America.

May the force of Messiah be with you

By Navigator

July 7, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

7/7/08 - Guess not; all of the information is that he think’s he was doing fine, and all of the issues are with the Braves. I think maybe (as a professional player) he needs to fire his family, and become a man being responsible for his own action, or lack of action. He’s not a star, and maybe never will be. I think the relationship between him and McCann may be playing into his problems as well. McCann is going to be a long time all star, because he worked for it. Frenchy seems to think he’s the star (always has been), and everything should come to him. He’s got excellent physical skills, but between the ears, he’s lacking the concept that coaches know more than him about being able to get his game to a higher level. He’s turning into an enigma, having great skills, but unable to utilize them to the max.