Sports Columnists

By Bigmuddy

July 6, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

The kid will do well when he gets over his fantasy with swinging at the first pitch and being too pigheaded to stop. Bobby should sit him down and explain he is hurting the team by not taking pitches and hurting his chance of getting a good pitch to hit. No major league pitcher need ever give him a good pitch to hit because he insists on swinging at everything

By Bigmuddy

July 6, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this

The kid will do well when he gets over his fantasy with swinging at the first pitch and being too pigheaded to stop. Bobby should sit him down and explain he is hurting the team by not taking pitches and hurting his chance of getting a good pitch to hit. No major league pitcher need ever give him a good pitch to hit because he insists on swinging at everything

By eric the elder

July 6, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

Let’s see if I understand this. Ray Fosse is stationary and looking the other way. Pete Rose is running full tilt, lowers his shoulder and blind sides Fosse, effectively ending his career - - in a damn exhibition game. And that’s Francoeur’s “favorite play ever?” Sounds like a nice kid with no brains.

By Fred

July 6, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this

How can you even be on JF? Lets see one of you great athletes hit 15 HRs at the allstar break. Find something else to gripe about.

By Head Coach

July 6, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

I was thinking that Francoeur idolized Dave Kingman , one of the most prolific strikeout/homerun hitters ever.

By Ron

July 6, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this

Dear Terrence, FRANCOUER IS LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN! It was a 7-7 tie. There was no tomorrow - tomorrow is the 7th. The Reds led The Wild Card by seven games - now six. Did I mention Frenchy wears number seven? The sophomore jinx is over, Braves-bashers! Francouer is the natural, Mr. Clutch. Braves win. Touche! —Pierre

By Shane

July 6, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this

It’s nice that you can have SI do most of your work Terrence. You add a little here and there. He’s still a kid, get off his back. If you are looking for someone to ride - the front office is over there, ask about the bullpen. Thanks!

By Bowilly

July 7, 2006 12:01 AM | Link to this

Age 22 in Major Leagues. JF is OJT and learning when most youngsters at his age are still down in Minors learning their trade. At least, he is getting his education at Major League Level. Time will tell how he uses what he is learning. No doubt the talent is there.

By chopthis

July 7, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this

Terence,

Mark Fidrych’s career was cut short by injury, an injury you can lay at the feet of the Detroit Tigers organization for letting their 21-year-old phenom throw 24 complete games in 1976. It’s no wonder his arm was never the same. He was the real deal, not hype-over-substance. Don’t group him with the flash-in-the-pans like Joe Charboneau. Fidrych could have had great career with the proper care. You’re obviously old enough to remember him, so there’s no excuse for you to disrespect him.

Buzz Capra — now THERE was a flash in the pan!

By gotigers72

July 7, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this

Francoeur is 22 years old. I think with experience and maturity, he will be a Dale Murphy type player. He has just now been in the Major Leagues for one year. There aren’t many one year wonders. Pujols is an exception. It usually takes more than a year’s experience. His defense is a plus, his running is a plus, his intensity is a plus, and his hustle is a breath of fresh air.

He is overly aggressive at times, and swings at a lot of bad pitches. You don’t want to take that aggressiveness away. Sometimes the first pitch of an at bat may be the best pitch he will see during that at bat. He is gaining a reputation as clutch by leading the lead in 2 out RBIs. Almost everything he does is positive. Look at how much the great Mickey Mantle struck out.

Francoeur will improve on his plate discipline. This guy will end up being an elite player. Get back to me when he’s 25. Anybody want to make a bet?

By UGA 72

July 7, 2006 12:41 AM | Link to this

We fans need to get a grip, Jeff wasn’t scheduled to be in the Atlanta Outfield until next Season, maybe called up at the end of this year, for that matter neither was McCann. I’m an old man and I’ve seen a lot of things in my life, I’d love to buy a small percentage of either of these young mens future earnings. The both could be Hall of Famers before they are through, they will be solid performers regardless.

Can anyone explain to me how Cinn can obtain an ex-allstar reliever and the Braves can’t? I think John Shuerholtz has been signing so many copies of his book he’s forgotten to answer his phone!

By Mel

July 7, 2006 01:01 AM | Link to this

JF needs to be sent back to the minors. He thinks he’s God’s Gift to baseball. He needs to be benched until he can learn how to STOP swinging at the first pitch. Send him back to the minors and get us someone that really deserves to be in the big league! HE is one of the reasons we will not see a 15th division title.

By burt

July 7, 2006 01:08 AM | Link to this

i have been a strong supporter of bobby cox, but tonight game was the worst managed game in atlanta since they come here.what manager in the bigs with a 7-2 lead going into the ninth inning is not going to have their closer ready. we went thru 4 pitchers in the 9th inning and bring sosa in with bthe bases loaded.i don’t think any brave would support what cox did tonight.

By bubba baseball

July 7, 2006 01:33 AM | Link to this

The guy just needs to mature as a hitter. Dale Murphy and other great hitters did the same thing, he just needs a good hitting coach to drill it in his skull, batting takes skills and patience. He needs to be selective, but he’s agressive which is good. Like pitching, there is a difference between a quality pitcher and someone that just throws.

By Casey

July 7, 2006 05:38 AM | Link to this

Whatever happened to Brad Komminsk?

By # 7 Backer

July 7, 2006 06:29 AM | Link to this

Let’s see you post better numbers than JF. When was the last time you swung @ pitches or played the field as Jeff does? Gee, let me think…….NEVER! So until you get your butt out onto the field can post numbers better(especially @ your age), I would lay off actually report on something positive for a change. Every player is due for an up & down year or 2. That doesn’t mark them for life.

By Stewart

July 7, 2006 07:00 AM | Link to this

Terence, I enjoyed the article. It’s nice to see a little fire in a young player. Some of you people really need to calm down.

By Doug

July 7, 2006 07:49 AM | Link to this

Hey Terrance, I know Jeff. I know that he’s NOT trying to impress. He’s already done that. The kid has to mature, which he is doing quite well. He is a power hitter, obp tends to be low. In time it will increase. Cut him some slack!!

By Jimmie Johnson

July 7, 2006 07:51 AM | Link to this

Why does everybody care about the stats? Does it really matter if Jeff Francoeur gets on base if nobody will score from it or nobody will drive him in??

Jeff Francoeur is awesome. He energizes the team, good defense, great attitude, drives in a lot of runs when it counts (evident by RBI totals), and would rather hit a home run with nobody on base rather than get on base and be stranded there.

Jeff Francoeur makes it count. If he only gets on base once every game or two, it will mean something… . driving in runs or scoring runs. What good does a .300 hitter do if he does drive in runs or score???

By Jason T

July 7, 2006 07:54 AM | Link to this

Let’s lay off Francouer people! My Gosh, it’s his 2nd freakin year and because of the expectations put on him by the MEDIA, everyone thinks he’s suppose to be SuperMan. The kids gonna hit 30- 40 HR’s and drive in atleast 110 rbi or more. He has more 2 out rbi than ANYONE in the league. Yeah, he does need to be more selective at the plate, but he’s got that Vlad mentality, he can hit the ball almost anywhere it’s thrown, except the outside corner 6 inches of the plate. But, Let’s just give it a rest already. He is the Future of this Franchise. He’s great defense, and a Freakin cannon on his arm. So Please Give it a rest already!

By David Carroll

July 7, 2006 07:57 AM | Link to this

If you guys would rather have a .300 hitter who hits 5 HR and 44 RBI’s, bring back Ken Oberkfell. I’m sure he’s available.

By Jason T

July 7, 2006 07:57 AM | Link to this

Mel,

You’re an idiot man. Send him back down? Are you crazy? He leads the league in 2 out rbi, he’s gonna hit 30 -40 bombs, and drive in 115 rbi or so. Give it a rest man. Go get on Langerhans or someone not even close to Francouers level. You people don’t know baseball!!

By jake

July 7, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this

Plate discipline and swinging at the first pitch are 2 different things. For you people who have never played baseball past the age of 12, swinging at the first pitch is not necessarily a bad thing. If the first pitch is good, swing at it. Boneheads. It’s swinging at bad pitches that hitters need to avoid.

Besides all that, Francoeur is a huge bargain for the Braves. His current return is well worth the Braves current investment. The organization does not comparitavely pay him and McCann as much as more senior players who are putting up similar or inferior statistics. He’ll be fine. It’s you “experts” that have never played the game well that are the problem.

By quint

July 7, 2006 08:06 AM | Link to this

My Solution for Francoer: Bobby should fine him $500 for every first pitch he swings at for the next three weeks. (Same thing for LaRoche)Watch his OBPS climb, then.

By jake

July 7, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this

quint, you are a moron.

By Brandon

July 7, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this

C’mon Moore - you can’t throw Mark Fidrych in there as a “bust” - he was injured and could never pitch the same. It wasn’t a talent issue. That happens to guys a lot before they make the SHOW. Had the medical world known then what they know now - he may have had a long, prosperous career.

By Eric

July 7, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this

Frenchy has talent beyond his years. He is living a dream. Most 22 year olds are in school or in the work force. He is playing a sport that pays him millions of dollars a year! He just got to play at Yankee Stadium fro Christ sake! I am 22 years old and I would kill just to take batting practice at Turner Field. Jeff will be ok, he is under alot of pressure and he needs support. The Braves will win but it takes a team effort. Could Jeff be more patient at the plate? Yes. But that will come with time. He is a very exciting player to watch. Whatever happened to Terrell Wade?

By Brandon

July 7, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this

C’mon Moore - you can’t throw Mark Fidrych in there as a “bust” - he was injured and could never pitch the same. It wasn’t a talent issue. That happens to guys a lot before they make the SHOW. Had the medical world known then what they know now - he may have had a long, prosperous career. A lot of people in baseball tell my grandad he would have made it to the SHOW and been a good pitcher…that is had he not broken his arm in a Double A game and not been called to fight for our country in WWII instead of playing ball. I couldn’t be more proud, though.

By Brandon

July 7, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this

C’mon Moore - you can’t throw Mark Fidrych in there as a “bust” - he was injured and could never pitch the same. It wasn’t a talent issue. That happens to guys a lot before they make the SHOW. Had the medical world known then what they know now - he may have had a long, prosperous career. A lot of people in baseball tell my grandad he would have made it to the SHOW and been a good pitcher…that is had he not broken his arm in a Double A game and not been called to fight for our country in WWII instead of playing ball. I couldn’t be more proud, though. He wasn’t a bust. He is a hero!

By Tony Chastain

July 7, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

If Francouer where a black athlete this column would be a total defense of him and daring the Braves to send him down.

By quint

July 7, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this

And another thing. Check out his career stats for 156 games: 84 Runs, 105 RBI, 29 HR, .275 Avg. Yes, he also has only 19 BB to go along with 128 SO. So, if he can quit swinging at those bad first pitches (again, don’t let him swing at one for 2-3 weeks) all of his weak stats will go up. You can’t argue with his good numbers. He has great defense. SO/BB are still a great concern.

By Tim

July 7, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this

Let me get this right Mel and the rest of you, you think we should send Francoeur back to the minors? Have you forgotten that the majority of the people going out to Turner Field (and away stadiums for that matter), are going to see him? Oh wait, and his year last year, you want to forget about that too? The kid has one of the best arms in the National League, did you forget about that too? You chastise him because he comes out swinging, what would you say if he kept his bat on his shoulders? The guy is 22 years old and been in the majors one year, and he is already one of the most dependable hitters with 2 outs. Why don’t ya’ll think about this a little more before you try and place the blame on the new guy. Sounds like to me that ya’ll are just a little jealous. And Mr. Moore, not on the road for Cooperstown?? Don’t you think it’s a little early to be making Hall of Fame predictions after one year in the majors? And P.S, most hitters in the major league hit better at home than on the road. Go Francoeur!

By quint

July 7, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this

Okay, Jake, tell me your solution for teaching plate discipline to a 22 year-old phenom. Since you know so much more than his hitting coach (Former MVP Terry Pendleton), former MVP Chipper Jones, Bobby Cox, and everyone else who keeps telling him to quit swinging at bad pitches, how do you make (encourage/teach) him do it? I know he is a millionaire and $500 is not a lot of money, but it will serve to get his attention. I only suggested it because the Braves have had a year to break those bad habits and it hasn’t happened yet. Heck, fine him for those bad swings and give the money back when his average breaks .285 and he walks to first for the 50th time this season. Now, without resorting to name-calling again, what are your suggestions? Thanks, Jake.

By Chris

July 7, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this

Here is why all you bloggers that dog Francouer do not know a single thing about baseball. These are Francouer’s stats after his first 156 games in the big leagues: .275 BA, 29 HR, 105 RBI, 84 Runs, 0.782 OPS. Now one of you tell me that you wouldn’t take that everyday of the week from a rookie season. When was the last time a rookie had 100 RBIs besides Pujols. Idiots stop talking when you dont know what you are talking about. First pitch swinging or not.

By Tom

July 7, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

Quint:

People like you worry me. Fine him for swinging at the 1st pitch??? He has a .320 average when swinging at the first pitch! He has a .600 slugging percentage on the first pitch. What are you watching????

The only thing Frenchy needs to work on at the plate is what all young players need to work on: shortening his swing with 2 strikes. That’s the only time he REALLY struggles.

Without looking at other young players around the majors, I’d venture to say we’re getting more for the $ with Francouer than most any other player in the majors. (he’s making nothing right now)

By kp

July 7, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this

Jeff has 60 RBIs! Dale Murphy used to put up numbers like this and the AJC pushed him to be in the Hall of Fame.

By CK

July 7, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

How could the Bravos let Cinci snatch up Guardado?

They are one of the the primary conteneders for the wildcard and we let them one up us like that. Unbeleivable!

The Braves have to be proactive Sosa is no more than a stop gap closer. He is very shakey out there and is already blowing saves.

I still beleive the Braves can pull this thing off but they will soon be out of opportunities to improve themselves when the July 30 deadline comes.

We can’t wait until Sept when the rosters expand and hope to be still in the chase. We have to do something soon and stop allowing the teams ahead of us to keep improving.

By statesborobravesfan

July 7, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

I think and hope Francoeur will develop into a really nice player. Our Braves will need him down the stretch. Francoeur does have a few things he can work on.

1. Patience at the plate - I don’t won’t him to loose his aggressive hitting but he has to learn to take a pitch and not swing at every pitch that is thrown.

2. Steal bases - Francoeur seems to have good speed in the outfield. I wish he could transfer that into stolen bases. I have watched him get thrown out several times and it seems as though he need to be taught the art of stealing bases. It is not about speed alone. We could use a base stealer in the lineup because most of the guys have average speed and Andruw Jones is not as fast as he used to be.

Just a few suggestions. Please don’t bash Francoeur. He’s only 22 and he has a long way to go. We need to depend on our veteran leadership to carry us into the postseason. No, I have not given up on the postseason. I will pull for my Braves regardless of how the season ends.

On a sidenote, it sure was good to see some fire in Chipper after he scored the winning run on last night. I would love to see him be as excited about the game of baseball as Francoeur is. Go Braves!

By Yars

July 7, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

The only negative things one can say about Frenchy is that his OBP is low and his batting AVG is kinda low. I know he hasn’t stolen a base yet and he swings at pitches he shouldn’t , but every player has a flaw or 2. Frenchy is on pace to hit 30-35 HR and knock in 100+ RBI. If he can raise his average to around .270 and draw more walks, he will be fine. What I most like about Frenchy is his no fear attitude of playing. This guy isn’t scared of anyone. He goes up to the plate with confidence and is convinced he can hit any pitcher. I like that. He has that, “throw it and I’ll hit it” type of philosophy. I’m not comparing him to Vlad Guerrero of the Angels, but he somewhat reminds me of him in the sense that he gives 110% at the plate and in RF. Whether the Braves are losing 10-0 or winning 10-0. Frenchy will only get better. Terence mentioning Gerald Young? Wow. I haven’t heard that name in ages. I used to collect his baseball cards. Gerald was all hype. The type of player that dominated in the minors, but couldn’t do nothing in the majors. He was given every opportunity to prove himself. Hey Terence, remember Eric Yelding?

By jake

July 7, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this

Quin, Uh, didn’t you notice what you just said? Terry, Chipper, and Bobby have said that they want him to stop swinging at bad pitches, not to stop swinging at first pitches!!!! Let me guess, you’re one of those people that think “keeping your elbow up” is important part of a fundamental swing too? Oh the little league mentality.

Jeff has only seen major league pitching for 1 full season. He’s being taught how to recognize pitches as they relate to game situations and pitcher tendencies. Jeff presses too much and swings away trying to make things happen instead of letting the game come to him a little more. Combine that with his long swing and he’s having a little trouble pulling out of his commitment to swing, thus he swings at bad pitches.

I think that sometimes he’s decided to swing before the pitcher has thrown the ball. Luckily for Jeff, his superb ablility to hit bad pitches hard, bails him out of looking silly when he swings at a pitch near his ankles. He does look silly sometimes though, swinging at a curveball that hits the dirt 3 feet in front of home plate, but a strikeout is a strikeout no matter where the pitches were. Just like a hit is a hit.

Runs scored and RBIs are the most important stats for hitters. Everything else will fall into place after that.

He’s done great so far and he’s only going to get better.

By Don Anthony

July 7, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this

Let’s see, the kid hits a game-winning hit in extra innings (after an totally embarrassing 9th) and Terrence writes a disparaging piece on him. What at putz!

BTW: during the Brave’s June free-fall, did you happen to notice the other Braves who went flat? As in THE TEAM!

Want to write about a “Bust?” Try Sosa.

Jeff’s going to be just fine. And with a real closer, so will the Braves.

DA

By Rutuger

July 7, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

Hey Shane, you should try reading the column first sometime… Moore was actually telling people to—as you so ignorantly suggested he do himself—“get off Jeff’s back.” Moron.

By I think with a drawl

July 7, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

Frenchy is on pace to hit more than 30 homers and bat in over 100 runs. I’ll take that everyday from a 22 year old. He’s just going to get better and better. He’s a free swinger because of his natural aggression as an athlete (remember all those state titles he won at Parkview playing both ways in football). Wish we had someone with his attitude in the bullpen.

By Fulton

July 7, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

Thanx Rutuger!! And let’s add Tony Chastain & Randy to the expanding list of idiots and jerks that form opinions based on what’s on THEIR backwoods minds, instead of the TEXT of the printed article.

By RobC

July 7, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

So…..was this article supposed to be positive or negative? I really have no idea if you are for Francouer, hate him, think people hate him and should love him, love him and wish people weren’t as hard on him…I really have no idea what kind of stance you were taking there. There is nothing wrong with a quick article that doesn’t pick a side, but try to not throw in lines geared simply to get a reaction like calling him “the Bust”. I think he’s a player with tremendous potential that is developing at a slightly faster pace than should be expected, and a slightly slower pace than everyone wants. I know he’s in a position that his team depends on him to be a marquee player, but that’s the team’s fault, not his.

By braves fan

July 7, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

Last time I checked OBP doesn’t win games, runs and rbi’s do. Would it be nice if he got on base at a higher clip? Of course. But what cannot be overlooked is his productivity. He’s in the top ten in rbi’s in the national league, despite hitting .258 with a .280 OBP. He leads the majors in rbi’s with 2-outs. That’s not an irrelevant stat, considering all the ways you can drive in a run when there are less than two outs. He’s making adjustments, but people who don’t watch the game every night wouldn’t know that (Terrence). Just observe the hits and outs he’s made to the right side of the field. That shows me he’s willing and capable of being a good hitter. He still wails at bad pitches and that’ll have to change. But he’s got a good base from which to improve. He hasn’t even played a full 162 games yet in his career and everyone expects him to be completely polished. He has played 156 games and has a .275 BA, 29 HR, and 105 rbi’s. Those are pretty good numbers for a rookie. There are very few players who come up and immediately are OPS monsters (like Pujols or Miguel Cabrera). All this means is that maybe Francoeur is not on that level. That’s fine, because the level he IS at is a high one and he’ll eventually be more selective.

By Derrick

July 7, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

Actually braves fan, OBP does win games. You can’t score if you don’t get on base. Alot of people have put up good surface numbers like Jeff’s with them amounting to nothing because of the way that they’re done (like Dave Kingman). Or think of a basketball player who scores 20 a game, but shoots 38% from the field. He isn’t helping them with those numbers. And don’t compare him to Cabrera, Franceour is one of the worst hitting everyday OF in the major leagues.

By quint

July 7, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this

Jake: What would you advise Francoeur to do? Have you seen how he leads with his head and pulls off of the ball? Looks like Andruw from 2 years ago. I think his biggest problem is what you and others have mentioned: he is too agressive. However, I think he is only too agressive early in the game. He seems to be developing like Chipper did. The deeper into the game, the more focused and patient they become. That’s why I suggested not letting swing at the first pitch. Maybe I should have suggested that he not swing at the first pitch in his first AB. He does have to be trained to take a pitch. Why did his average go into freefall last year and why is it low this year: it seems like a lot of the first pitches in his AB’s are low and away and he is swinging.

Honestly, I could care less about Jeff’s batting average. As long as he is doesn’t pop out or fly out on the first pitch with runners on, the game on the line, and two outs, I don’t care what his average is. Don’t really care what his strikeout or walk totals are either. I just can’t stand a rally-killing out on a first pitch.

And Jake, what are your baseball credentials? You keep on with your condescending talk about 12 year-olds and “little league mentality” quotes and your rather insightful comments begin to sound like snide remarks. We are just here to discuss and have fun. Of course clowning on others is fun, too. I just don’t know you so I won’t do it, yet. Thanks for the comments guys. Y’all set me straight.

By Jeremy

July 7, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

Jeff Francouer is 22 yrs old & is still in the process of adjusting to the majors. He is far more talented than some give him credit for & I believe he is destined for a great career. Yes he does need to be more patient at the plate but he is young & feels alot of pressure to be a hometown hero, especially when articles of this nature are published. This season has been a disappointment to Braves fans but you cannot put the blame solely on the shoulders of a rookie.

By wayne

July 7, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

Frenchy could become the next Dave Kingman, but DK only wanted to hit the farthest homerun possible, every at bat. He did not put forth the effort to improve his game.

Jeff has a better attitude and works harder than DK and hopefully will become more like Reggie/Stargell/Killebrew. It’s waaay too soon to call him a flop.

Atlanta is pulling for him and I think he’ll deliver.

By Britt

July 7, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

Okay, so I’m a girl but I know a little bit about baseball…Jeff is leading the majors in RBIs with 2 outs. What does that mean? Clutch! He is a clutch player! He has been a clutch player since high school. That is just how he works. When the game is on the line (like last night)you want Jeff up to bat. Also, if he is so bad, then why is Bobby playing him every game? He has the most at bats of the entire team. I think he is playing him to get him experience. That is what he needs. If you look at JF’s averages from the minor league then you will see that they are not far off from where he is now - his BA is a little lower, but not by much. Look, he is going to develop - just give him longer than one year!

By dmurph03

July 7, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

“Surface numbers,” Derrick? Franceour leads major league baseball in 2-out ribbies…he’s 22 yrs old! Sit back and enjoy everyone. He is only going to get better. The Braves need to address LF. We’re picking on Frenchy with his projected 30-35 HRs and 110 RBIs but we should be looking at Langerhans’ 9 HR and 29 RBI projections.

By Aaron

July 7, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

Wow! By reading several of the posts on this article, it appears that many just want to b***h about something. Let’s see….(a) Jeff thinks highly of Pete Rose’s hustle and Pete’s desire to please the fans with his play…..I wish more athletes would have this mindset. (b) He still is young (very young) and has trouble maintaining the intense focus required to excell day in and day out in the show while still learning the ropes as well as the pitchers trying to make a complete fool of him….go figure. He has a good (young) head on his shoulders and more GOD given talent and personally developed talent than I bet the entire collection of those who have chosen to comment thusfar. Jeff will be just fine.

By JD Cotton II

July 7, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

I didnt see the latest SI but if they really called him a bust after he was on their cover last year .They dont know what the hell they are talking about. Jeff is on pace for 30HR’s and 120 RBI’s and he is a bust? WHATEVER!

By Realistic Ricky

July 7, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

With such a long list of overpaid and underachieving players gracing the Braves 2006 roster, I am astonished how many of you “know it alls” are criticizing Francoeur. He is headed toward a 100 RBI season and leads the majors in two out RBI, plus he hustles ALL OF THE TIME and plays good defense. If the best hitters in baseball are only expected to get base hits three times in every 10 at bats, what difference does it really make if three or four of those seven outs are strike outs? If you get your kicks criticizing Braves players, at least pick out one who really deserves it (i.e., Sosa, Thompson, Hudson, LaRoche, Giles, Remlinger, Reitsma, Jordan).

By Fulton

July 7, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

Ya know…ol’ Terence could write an article praising the efforts of Jim Crow & the KKK and ‘you people’ would STILL complain because for some reason, ya just don’t like him.

By Tim

July 7, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this

JF is a man of talent and character. He is on his way to greatness. And BTW, the Rose/ Fosse collision was what is known as baseball. JF choosing that as his favorite play ever shows he is hard nosed. That is how you become a champion. He came by that attitude honestly by having coaches like Buck Buchanan at Parkview. You can see values in JF that Coach Buchanan has instilled in a lot of young men. See you in Cooperstown JF. Coach Buck, Get well soon!

By Sam

July 7, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this

Just thought I’d inject this stat.

Frenchy with runners on base: .321, 8 HR, 53 RBI. Frency with no runners: .239, 7 HR.

Looks to me like he needs runners on to do better.

By Still A Fan

July 7, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this

Lets see… JF is on pace to hit 30hrs, score 86 runs, and drive in 120+ rbi this year. Compare those numbers to Chipper Jones throughout his career. Who cares if the kid swings at the first pitch 60% of the time or how often he gets on base. If the situational numbers are there, he’s getting it done. After only 1 year in the majors, those numbers spell future All Star to me. The rest will come together with a little more experience. Let’s revisit this column in 3-4 years. But be ready to pull your foot out of your mouth.

By olcottr

July 7, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this

Francouer is better at home than on the road? Since when did that become an oddity?

By johnny

July 7, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

I AND HUNDREDS OF OTHERS HAVE MADE NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT THE BRAVES, AND A FEW PLAYERS IN PARTICULAR.

BUT I SIT HERE THIS MORNING, WONDERING WHY, I HAVE BEEN SO NEGATIVE ABOUT MY TEAM. I JUST THANK THE LORD, THAT IT IS NOT I==WHO HAS TO SIT, STAND AND MAKE ALL THE DECISIONS RE TO THE GAME AS A BRAVE MANAGER, COACH, PLAYER OR WHAT EVER, SO, I WILL NOW JUST SIT BACK, AND ENJOY MY TEAM, WIN OR LOSE, WILL I GET FLUSTRATED , MORE THAN LIKELY, YES. I RATHER BE AMANAGER HERE IN MY HOME RE TO THE BRAVES THAN HAVING TO REALLY BE THE MANAGER. THANK YOU, I HOPE I CAN STOP NBEING SO NEGATIVE. BUT I DO SO, NOT TO THEM A PERSON, BUT TO THEM THAT IT IS A JOB TO. THE PLAYERS, GO BRAVES JOHNNY L. EVANS

By al

July 7, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

looks to me like Frenchy will work out to be a better than average major leaguer. Why not (a) look at his numbers now that he has a full season in the bigs and (b) run a comparison on his numbers (even this year alone) against other right fielders? Think you will see he is average or above and will probably improve as he “grows” into his position.

By johnny

July 7, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this

I AND HUNDREDS OF OTHERS HAVE MADE NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT THE BRAVES, AND A FEW PLAYERS IN PARTICULAR.

BUT I SIT HERE THIS MORNING, WONDERING WHY, I HAVE BEEN SO NEGATIVE ABOUT MY TEAM. I JUST THANK THE LORD, THAT IT IS NOT I==WHO HAS TO SIT, STAND AND MAKE ALL THE DECISIONS RE TO THE GAME AS A BRAVE MANAGER, COACH, PLAYER OR WHAT EVER, SO, I WILL NOW JUST SIT BACK, AND ENJOY MY TEAM, WIN OR LOSE, WILL I GET FLUSTRATED , MORE THAN LIKELY, YES. I RATHER BE AMANAGER HERE IN MY HOME RE TO THE BRAVES THAN HAVING TO REALLY BE THE MANAGER. THANK YOU, I HOPE I CAN STOP NBEING SO NEGATIVE. BUT I DO SO, NOT TO THEM A PERSON, BUT TO THEM THAT IT IS A JOB TO. THE PLAYERS, GO BRAVES Johnnyevans@cox.net

By johnny

July 7, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

I AND HUNDREDS OF OTHERS HAVE MADE NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT THE BRAVES, AND A FEW PLAYERS IN PARTICULAR.

BUT I SIT HERE THIS MORNING, WONDERING WHY, I HAVE BEEN SO NEGATIVE ABOUT MY TEAM. I JUST THANK THE LORD, THAT IT IS NOT I==WHO HAS TO SIT, STAND AND MAKE ALL THE DECISIONS RE TO THE GAME AS A BRAVE MANAGER, COACH, PLAYER OR WHAT EVER, SO, I WILL NOW JUST SIT BACK, AND ENJOY MY TEAM, WIN OR LOSE, WILL I GET FLUSTRATED , MORE THAN LIKELY, YES. I RATHER BE AMANAGER HERE IN MY HOME RE TO THE BRAVES THAN HAVING TO REALLY BE THE MANAGER. THANK YOU, I HOPE I CAN STOP NBEING SO NEGATIVE. BUT I DO SO, NOT TO THEM A PERSON, BUT TO THEM THAT IT IS A JOB TO. THE PLAYERS, GO BRAVES Johnnyevans@cox.net

By johnny

July 7, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

I AND HUNDREDS OF OTHERS HAVE MADE NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT THE BRAVES, AND A FEW PLAYERS IN PARTICULAR.

BUT I SIT HERE THIS MORNING, WONDERING WHY, I HAVE BEEN SO NEGATIVE ABOUT MY TEAM. I JUST THANK THE LORD, THAT IT IS NOT I==WHO HAS TO SIT, STAND AND MAKE ALL THE DECISIONS RE TO THE GAME AS A BRAVE MANAGER, COACH, PLAYER OR WHAT EVER, SO, I WILL NOW JUST SIT BACK, AND ENJOY MY TEAM, WIN OR LOSE, WILL I GET FLUSTRATED , MORE THAN LIKELY, YES. I RATHER BE AMANAGER HERE IN MY HOME RE TO THE BRAVES THAN HAVING TO REALLY BE THE MANAGER. THANK YOU, I HOPE I CAN STOP NBEING SO NEGATIVE. BUT I DO SO, NOT TO THEM A PERSON, BUT TO THEM THAT IT IS A JOB TO. THE PLAYERS, GO BRAVES Johnnyevans@cox.net

By DCEmory

July 7, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

I just knew that Francouer would pull through last night. This kid is going to have a good career in the big leagues. He is an all around player. We know that he can crush the ball. when he is not swinging at pitches two feet off of the plate, he has a pretty looking swing. Kid has a cannon instead of an arm.

He will wise up, learn patience and concentration, you can count on that. Just like the rest of us, he will learn the ropes of his new profession. He’s on pace to have an excellent season. If he can learn to focus on the road, he is amongst the Jones boys. Just wait..He will explode into an excellent addition to a professional ball club, and hopefully the Braves.

By Jogger

July 7, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

People need to get a life. I love baseball more than you imagine, but, to get worried abut Jeff is funny. It is only his second season. He’ll do fine. And, the Braves will do fine also. They may not win the division, but, at least they can go for the wild card.

There are more important things than winning a division.

By Rhonda

July 7, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

Good grief! Give the guy a break! He has natural talent and will get it under control. And when he retires, Frenchie will be in Cooperstown! P.S. I have been a Braves fan since 1975 and will continue to be win or lose. Look out post season, the Braves will be there!

By Jorge Sosa

July 7, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this

I no longer throw a fastball…It is a 95mph watermelon with a red bullseye painted in the center.

By Jorge Sosa

July 7, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

I no longer throw a fastball…It is a 95mph watermelon with a red bullseye painted in the center.

By Jorge Sosa

July 7, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

I no longer throw a fastball…It is a 95mph watermelon with a red bullseye painted in the center.

By Drew

July 7, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

How soon do we forget that our right fielder’s 22 years old. He’s raw, its going to take some time before he can hit .300 consistently, damn people, lay off the guy….he’s already 2nd on the team in RBI and HRs (achem, Chipper) and is just a raw talent. Nobody just walks into the big leagues and hits .350-40-120 (well, he’ll have at least two of those. people whining about Francoeur’s play are pathetic…you have to crawl before you can walk idiots.

By Bravesfan81

July 7, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

Well, all you Frenchy bashers, you should thank God he’s around. How many times has this guy come through in the clutch? Many! Last night was just another example. I for one love him, and i love his energy. And thats what the Braves have been missing since the early 90’s. Winning got so routine they all took it for granted. This year i would give anything to win 100 games and get beat in the NLCS again!! I came all the way down to Atlanta from South Dakota to see Frenchy and the boys take on Boston a few weeks ago! And he almost won us a game until the bullpen blew it again. Go figure! So i for one am glad we have Francoer, and i love his energy. Lets hope he becomes a little more patient at the plate, and hopefully he’ll be in Atlanta for some time yet! Now lets catch up to the Mutts and get # 15!!!

By Wes

July 7, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

As a baseball coach there is a lot of things that JF can improve on including pitch selection. However, would everyone like a 6th hole hitter having 30HR and 120RBIs? By the way he is 22 and has not had that many at bats in pro ball. Ask any scouts about that and they will tell you it takes at least 1000 at bats in pro ball to be comfortable. All you JF bashers remember this if everyone played as hard and was as clutch as JF on the team then we would be in first place!!

By Wes

July 7, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

As a baseball coach there is a lot of things that JF can improve on including pitch selection. However, would everyone like a 6th hole hitter having 30HR and 120RBIs? By the way he is 22 and has not had that many at bats in pro ball. Ask any scouts about that and they will tell you it takes at least 1000 at bats in pro ball to be comfortable. All you JF bashers remember this if everyone played as hard and was as clutch as JF on the team then we would be in first place!! By the way if he was black he would be Terrances hero!

By PENN

July 7, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this

It occurs to me that if we take out the first 50 AB’s this year (12 games) when Francoeur had (I believe 1 hit) we find him hitting .293 with 15 HR’s and 60 RBI’s. If someone has the numbers and can go back to May 1, (eliminate April) I believe you will find him hitting around .325. In other words if we eliminate his first month (the first 110 AB’s) the rest of this season has been a terrific success.

Where will he be at the end of the season? Prediction: 32 HR’s, 130 RBI’s and a BA of .300. I’ll take that.

And if he stays healthy in about five years Francoeur will be signing a long term contract (with someone)worth about $20 million a year.

By David

July 7, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

Did anyone notice Andruw swing at strike three on a curve three feet off the plate during the 10th? And how long has he been in the majors? It took a rookie (JF)to pull our braves through last night. This guy is STARDOME in one more year. Mark it!

By Learnedhand05

July 7, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this

Hey DRW, There’s no need for that stuff on this blog. It’s one thing to disagree and dislike when TM includes race in his columns, but you took an even lower road.

By DAVID LEE ROTH reunites with VAN HALEN

July 7, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

By Paul B

July 7, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

Jeff hit better as a rookie. He hits better with two outs. With no pressure he goes into a slump. What does that tell you?

He needs a kick-butt manager to keep the heat on and make him focus instead of free swinging and acting nonchalant like Jones and LaRoche.

By Terence the Race Baiter

July 7, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

DRW, no need to be a racist scumbag like T. Moore, using that word is wrong.

T. Moore should write about why his boy Jones still swings at sliders and curves 3 feet oout of the strike zone. The Brovos need a new hitting coach. It amazes me the “swing from the a**e” mentality. If things don’t change, we should start calling them “Terry’s Hackers”. Oh I know, maybe T. Moore can write an article about Pendelton’s inability to get his hitters to swing at strikes and not swing at balls. But I doubt Moore would ever criticise someone with that much of a tan.

By b-rand

July 7, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

get off him, 30-100 season his second year and you guys think he should be hanged bc he swings at a bad pitch here and there. he will improve his discipline and when he does he will be hearing the MVP chant. get on someone that doesnt give a crap….. (chipper)

By Dan

July 7, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

I think most of the bloggers commenting on TM’s column today are letting their innate distate for his previous work cloud their judgement. Read it again — he’s not ripping JF. Race is not a factor in TM’s discussion today (a welcome respite I know), and what he has written is nothing more than an objective piece on a hometown player.

By Mark in Memphis

July 7, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

I think Jeff is more tallented than people realize. He seems to decided to swing based on what he thinks is coming and even when it is a crap ball sometimes, he still gets a bat on it. I just wish he would react to the pitch more and not decide he is going to swing at it before it is pitched. Want a clue, watch for his tounge to to stick out before the pitch…

By Roger

July 7, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

Terrance Moore just does not know that much about sports. That’s one of many reasons why I don’t subscribe to the AJC.

By Former reader

July 7, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

Ah, Moore. I stopped reading your column some years ago, even some years before I stopped subscribing to your newspaper; but the headline caught my eye. I couldn’t get past your fifth paragraph, where you cite this player’s game-winning hit last night as an example of his obsession “with prospering before his hometown fans.” What is your point—that he should have made the third out in the inning instead? Or that he should only performs such feats on the road? Incidentally he is leading the league in RBIs with two out. Not bad.

By PENN

July 7, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

DRW, as a proud white boy from South Georgia I find you disgusting. Get a life if you can find one.

By b-rand

July 7, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

shut your mouth terence. if he was black you would call him the next barry bonds. you are right…. he should have made the 3rd out and not given a crap. do us a favor, stop talking

By AF

July 7, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this

Jeff wins the game last night, he is criticized once AGAIN. Sosa blows a 5 run lead, and that’s ok?

By Hunk Erdown

July 7, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this

There are a ton of problems on the Braves team that deserve scrutiny more than Jeff Francouer, but as someone who has played and coached baseball for the majority of his life, I fail to see what would be so detrimental to a rookie phenom’s future as a hitting coach telling him to to be more selective at the plate. During his early slump you’re doggone right I would have told him not to swing at the first pitch, in fact, I would have told him not to swing until the pitcher threw him a strike. You think because he has awesome talent and an incredible future that he couldn’t stand to hone his skill at the plate? You want to see this kid bat .300? Let him look at as many pitches as he can, then turn his a$$ loose. The very best thing for a young hitter is more at bats. If he can double the amount of pitches that he sees simply by being more selective, then it is just like doubling his amount of at bats. How can you teach pitch recognition if he’s not seeing plenty of pitches? How many stitches did you count on that fastball? Can you spit on his curveball before hits the mitt? He should be able to know how a pitcher is gonna pitch him based on his personal history, not just video. Right now, its amazing he gets anything to swing at in the strike zone at all. You better believe the other teams’ coaches are taking notes and instructing the pitchers how to pitch to him. So why wouldn’t the hitting coach take some notes and instruct the batter how to hit the pitcher? There wouldn’t be a dam thing wrong with JF taking a couple of weeks to look at some pitches. He is a great talent, but being a Champion means honing your skills, constantly, and if anybody thinks Jeff doesn’t need to be more selective at the plate, no matter what it takes to get there, they are the idiot that doesn’t know crap about baseball.