ajcsportstalk

By Joe

July 5, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

When the storm comes, keep the wipers and lights on and keep driving! He needs to play and hit everyday just not in Atlanta right now. Three weeks should be plenty of time to get his hitting molecules lined up.

By wfclyon

July 5, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

3 for 7 is .428. I’ll take it!

By Tammy Lyons

July 5, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

I think Frenchy will fry when he comes back.

By DHD

July 5, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

Puleeeeze, AJC, just leave the guy alone and let him work it out without making headlines like “Francoeur hits a foul ball in AA.” Just shut up about it for awhile.

By bobby

July 5, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

i cant wait for jeff to come back to atl. i hope he has a huge 2nd half and turns down anything the braves offer and goes to another team and haunts the braves for the next 10 yrs. frank wren made a huge mistake in the way he handled the whole ordeal. not saying that jeff should have stayed in atl but the frank should have spoke with him during the 3 weeks he was thinking about hte move. bobby cox obviously second guessed the decission and so did the rest of atl braves. Wren will run this great team into the ground if he continues. think about it…. starting the yr relying on smoltz glavine and hampton. what an idiot!!! this guy has no clue what he is doing and will destroy the braves….just watch. best wishes to jeff and the rest of the players on the braves.

By bobby

July 5, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

i cant wait for jeff to come back to atl. i hope he has a huge 2nd half and turns down anything the braves offer and goes to another team and haunts the braves for the next 10 yrs. frank wren made a huge mistake in the way he handled the whole ordeal. not saying that jeff should have stayed in atl but the frank should have spoke with him during the 3 weeks he was thinking about hte move. bobby cox obviously second guessed the decission and so did the rest of atl braves. Wren will run this great team into the ground if he continues. think about it…. starting the yr relying on smoltz glavine and hampton. what an idiot!!! this guy has no clue what he is doing and will destroy the braves….just watch. best wishes to jeff and the rest of the players on the braves.

By the professor

July 5, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

It amazes me that a guy who has been demoted to AA ball continues to get front page press coverage. Why do we need up to the minute coverage after each of Francoeur’s at bats? Come on, leave the guy alone and let’s concentrate on the Major League team we have here in town. Why not do some stories about Perry and Tex as Georgia Tech teammates. Let Francoeur work on his game in peace and let’s root for the team that’s quickly losing ground in a very winnable National League East.

PLEASE give ME 2 weeks off from reading about our current Mississippi right fielder!!! My hope is to read a July 22 AJC Headline: ATLANTA Braves win, Francoeur 4 for 4. Until then, let’s give this a rest.

By Jim

July 5, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

First of all Francoeur needs to shut up, stop b*** and whining about being sent down and admit it was the right thing to do…. but should have been done sooner….

Whining won’t make it better…and back biting Wren and Bobby about sending him down is babyish… won’t make any points for him with the club…

Act like a man Jeff…time to grow up…

By Bama

July 5, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

AA pitching is not the same as major league pitching. He should have pick AAA where he never played and got better pitching and Chris Chambless to help him. Wellman is a nut case for mgr.are so they say. Jeff should stay at least till August 1 or he works out his problem. I wish him well but there’s no hurry because 1. his ankle needs to heal 2. the Braves will be just fine without him right now. In other words it will take more than JF to turn this team around. I wish. Just get well for next year.

By Blue water

July 5, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Who gives a crap if he feels betrayed by being sent down. Don’t we always hear it’s a business. He needs to learn to be a team player and hit to the right side when need be and clean himself up. Trade his for anybody. He’s a dang nasty looking baby.

By JEB

July 5, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Please AJC - stop with the Francoeur updates!! Let him rest, play baseball, and get away from this scrutiny for awhile. That will take care of at least 25% of his problem! If we want to find out what he’s doing we will check into the MBraves ourselves!

By bobby

July 5, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

hate to break it to you jim but bobby didnt agree with the move. he admitted after the game tonight that he wished frenchy was still in the lineup and is missed in the clubhouse. it was solely wrens decision. jeff isnt whining he is p** off that wren treated him like a p** on after all he has done for the braves over the past 3 yrs (played every game, 100+ rbis, gold glove, marketing etc.) wren is a school boy b** and couldnt stand face to face with jeff and talk it out (3 min meeting………) youre clueless JIM!

By Bo

July 5, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

I agree AJC should shut up about Frenchy. Whats the big deal, he’s not the Second Comimg. He’s just a bad hitter and right fielder at the present. Is it that hard to find something to write about? He!! write about Chip and Mc in all stars …..

By the professor

July 5, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Francoeur deserved, and needed to be sent down, but Wren’s approach certainly could be questioned. Why were there leaks coming out of the Braves organization about Francoeur being demoted on Wednesday?? Doesn’t seem like the class way to run a business. I believe Wren is the guy, who while employed by the Orioles, told the team plane to take off without Cal Ripken who was running a few minutes late. Not the best track record on handling things smoothly.

By repo man

July 5, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

bobby- Don’t known where you got your info but what happens in clubhouse stay in clubhouse or do we have a new rule.

Good for Frank Wrens, glad we have GM with some balls!!!

By joe bloe

July 5, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

this guy sux he was overated to begin with you delusional fools yes the league has figured him out

By Jennifer

July 5, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

Lets remember this is a real person we are talking about, and not some robot that is placed on the field and is expected to do everything asked of him with no emotion. I believe in Jeff!!! Just get better soon. For every one fan who is ragging on you, there is one supporting you 100%!

By the professor

July 6, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

Here’s a section out of the Baltimore newspaper the day the Braves announced Wren as their GM:

*Wren, 49, was the Orioles’ GM for one season, 1999, before Syd Thrift replaced him. He made a few solid trades — most notably stealing Jeff Conine from the Royals for minor league pitcher Chris Fussell — but might be remembered more for ordering the charter to leave without Cal Ripken, who was running late and contacted the team on his way to the airport.

Owner Peter Angelos felt that Wren disrespected certain members of the organization, including Thrift, and was furious with the way he handled the Ripken situation — flaws that were noted in the press release announcing his firing.*

Its a business, but employees should be expected to be treated with some respect. Wren doesn’t have the best track record. Let’s see, Wren’s 49, Jeff’s 24.

By Dan_in_NC

July 6, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

Three things I would like to say…

BTW Jeff, your tenure isn’t as established as you think it is. I’ve seen plenty of 3rd year players in the majors get sent down. When you look at guys like Tex and Chipper on our team, its pretty obvious that in terms of experiance that Frenchie has a ways to go in the pecking order.

By Francoeurphobe

July 6, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

What is Jeff doing tonight? What did he eat for dinner? Where is he staying in Mississippi? Is he driving himself or did John Smoltz loan him a chauffeur? What time did he go to bed? Did he say his prayers? Brush his teeth? What time will he get up in the morning? Will he watch cartoons? Does he drink soda for breakfast? What kind?

There is so much about Jeff that this newspaper is not telling us!!!!!

By justin

July 6, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this

Frenchy is a baby. I hope we trade him away. I don’t care if he does come back to ruin the Braves. Right now he sounds like some spoiled kid who has been given everything his whole life and can not understand that maybe he isn’t gods gift to mankind. I wish the AJC would stop writing stories about him because it makes me despise the guy more and more every time I read some stupid garbage that pours out of his mouth. Flat out, Frenchy is a baby.

By Brad

July 6, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this

Frenchy needs grow the f—k up. He want be in MLB in 3 years or if he is he will be the 4th OF in KC.

By fanfromdayone

July 6, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this

i was at the ballpark the day jeff debuted. i am not nostradamous but i turned to my friend after he’d struck out three times and said, “wouldn’t it be awesome if he hit a home run?”

we all know what happened.

my point is this: i believe in jeff and his ability. he’ll be back; this is his first at-bat, first strike out.

further, i believe in the man off the field. i don’t have a human hero but if i did, jeff would most certainly rank at the top.

By Eric C.

July 6, 2008 5:01 AM | Link to this

My family and I will be at Trustmark Park for today’s game cheering Jeff on…you naysayers should find something else to complain about.

By Run Heap Run

July 6, 2008 5:02 AM | Link to this

**By DHD

July 5, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

Puleeeeze, AJC, just leave the guy alone and let him work it out without making headlines like “Francoeur hits a foul ball in AA.” Just shut up about it for awhile. **

Agree with that 100000000% - the AJC is making me despise him.

By Bravesfan

July 6, 2008 5:10 AM | Link to this

Pendleton must go.

Think of all the young (and old) Braves hitters that he has ruined: Langerhans, Thorman, Willie Harris, Giles, Orr, Brayan Pena, Craig Wilson, and now Francoeur. When was there a hitter that he actually can be credited for helping out, taking them under his wing?

Jeff is the hardest worker in the organization. When he makes it bad, it’s quite a testament that a AA manager will be the guy that gets him on track again instead of the hitting coach on the big club.

Pendleton must go.

By LivininAL

July 6, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

Did Mississippi play without a right fielder before Francour went down? I know the Braves as a team have been playing pretty badly, and that leaves little for AJC to write about. But, I’m tired keeping Francour in the middle of the radar with stupid polls and weak headlines. He is gone! He will be back! Now find a story or leave a blank page.

By Rowdy

July 6, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

Leave him in AA until he learns how to hit to right field……

Otherwise, he will see curve balls low and away until he is just a memory !

By lin

July 6, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

frenchy is like any other ball player in the league have good year and bad years. like everyone says papers news etc. need leave him alone. trade him may be best thing for him end of season or b4. maybe thats what he needs or maybe thats what on back of his mind and he wont admit it.it all could be due his eyes. we are not eye drs. he is trying too hard who knows only him. just let him be and what happens happens.time will tell.

By banshee29

July 6, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

Frenchy,

Your whining cost you some respect points with me. Be a man, go play your GAME for a living, and earn your roster spot. And if you ever loaf after a ball hit in the corner again, I will boo you every chance I get. What a pansie. Want a trade? Smell you later.

By Ron

July 6, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

With his history he will bounce back. I agree he is under so much pressure that he is probably trying too hard. After a week or so at AA maybe he should go to Richmond for a week or so just to build up a little more confidence before returning to the Braves. He will bounce back and he will have “slumps” in the future which seems to be part of baseball in the Majors.

By Jeff

July 6, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Trade him now….before he completely self-destructs

By Franfriend

July 6, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Agree with several blogsters that the AJC now needs to shut up and leave Jeff alone for a little while.

Bravesfan makes good points about hitting coach Pendleton’s so-called tutelage of Jeff and other recent young hitters. Not the greatest track record.

Grateful as a friend of Jeff’s family that several of these comments are supportive of him and/or disgusted with the AJC’s stank-stirrin’ style.

And glad I wasn’t in the stands near a boo-b***.

Hope Jeff incorporates Wellman’s infamous grenade-lob routine into his at-bats when he returns.

By dICK

July 6, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

OhYeah, #4-Cox needs to retire.

By Kelley

July 6, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

To Franfriend: If you are truly a friend of the Franceour family, you should encourage someone to tell Jeff to stop bad mouthing the Braves to the press. The constant comments about how he is disappointed in how it was handled and his refusal to just publically admit that he needed to be sent down is not going to win over any fans; fans who pay their hard earned money to go the Ted to support the Braves, and no. 7.

How could the Braves have handled it better? Should they have told him “If you don’t straighten yourself out in a week we’re sending you down.”? I think anyone with common sense would know that would just add pressure and stress to him and probably make his performance worse.

I’ve always thought Jeff was a great kid, but I’ve also always heard that a person’s true character is revealed in times of pressure and stress. I truly hope that what he is displaying right now is not his true character, if so, I am deeply disappointed.

If he wishes to remain a Brave he also should stop the comments, the Braves do not take kindly to anyone who speaks out in the press in a negative way against the organization.

I hope that he gets himself straghtened out and can return to the Braves and contribute. I always enjoyed the way he played with such excitement and enthusiasm.
To those of you who take issue with AJC covering him being sent down, did you complain when Jeff was on the cover of SI? As in anything with life, you have to take the good and the bad.

More than anything I hope he will work on his attitude about it. Players with the entitlement attitudes and all about the big money are turning me off from a game I so deeply enjoy watching, but it is frankly getting harder and harder to watch as some players act more and more spoiled.

By George

July 6, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Send Frank Wren down. It was not the decision to send him down; it is the way it was handled.

By DHD

July 6, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

“To those of you who take issue with AJC covering him being sent down, did you complain when Jeff was on the cover of SI? “

Yes. Next question.

It’s not about the AJC covering the story of Jeff being sent down. That’s their job. What got to me was a HEADLINE that said “Francoeur just misses a home run.” What the crap kind of headline is that? That is like a small town paper’s headline when a town gets a new stop light. Maybe, they should change their name to the Mayberry Times.

By repo man

July 6, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Remember how ajc covered another #7 M. Vick, Now its #7 Frenchy. Not same story but same bloodhounds.

By KyleH

July 6, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

You guys say that AJC should lay off, well maybe you should. stop criticising him and just let him work with his former hitting coach in AA and please…PLEASE stop demanding that he be traded. He will be back and he is a good kid. He said some things because he was very angry. the situaation could have been handled classier. he has been our clutchest players over the last three years and i dont think the league just figured him out. this is his first big struggle. Remember he is only 24. finally an off topic stat. for the 9th time in Jojo reyes’ 13 starts the braves failed to score more than two runs.

By Rick Long

July 6, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Kelley:

Where did you get this “constant comments” about how the situation was handled and the need to stop bad mouthing the Braves to the press? Maybe I am missing something, but I think he only commented on the situatio once basically immediately after he learned aobut his demotion when emotions were running high. I also don’t think that Jeff is the one who is asking the AJC to cover his every move in the minors, including how many times he goes to the bathroom. Who knows how all of this is going to turn out? I would hope all true Braves fans want Jeff to get himself straighten out and go on to have a great career. Some of the comments I have seen on this subject make me wonder however. Let’s not bury a kid who is still only 24 years old (that is still younger than many rookies even get to the bigs) because of a few comments he made in a very emotional moment.

By bb

July 6, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

I agree with a few others - lets point the finger at the real problem and that’s Mr. Pendleton. I have all the respect for him from his great playing days with Braves, but seems to me a good hitting coach could probably have worked with Frenchy one-on-one and got the kinks out. And it’s not just Jeff, the whole team needs some help - worst situational hitting team in majors as evidenced by their one-run loss record. It’s like they don’t have a clue when they come to bat in key situations, and that tells me Terry isn’t doing his job!

By dICK

July 6, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Hank Aaron was one of the best hitters in baseball, but is hnot a hitting coach. Why do the Braves tihnk TP was so good hitting while playing he would make a great hitting coach. He is thru, washed out, done, well cooked, finished, needed no more.

By waldo

July 6, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Let’s drop the Frenchy. He was NEVER called that at Parkview. This is something Bobby Cox made up. I think it’s dumb; if Bobby always likes to shorten names, such as Chip, Hubby, etc. then call him Franky.

By Ricky Bobby

July 6, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Frenchy is a snootty-nosed crybaby. You’re struggling, you’re not producing. They’ve worked with you. What do you want them to do. Oh, Boo Hoo, the itty bitty boy did not like shortness of the converstaion in which he was informed of his demotion. I can’t believe that they even gave him an option as to where he wanted to go. HELL, when I was demoted to a portable for the upcoming school year, the administrator sure as hell did not consult me on which portable I was going to sit in for 180 days. SHUT UP Francouer, you earned that demotion by not performing.

By Charles

July 6, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Jeff Francouer is a class act. He has been nothing but a professional since the day he pulled on a Braves uniform.

I would be upset if he had not been upset about getting sent back to the minors. He’s a gamer, and no one is beating up Jeff Francouer more than Jeff Francouer.

To be honest with everyone, I enjoy reading about Jeff and how he is doing with the M-Braves. I also like reading about Matt Diaz and Mike Hampton. I’m especially pulling for the latter to make it back to the Braves’ dugout.

It’s been a tough year so far, injuries are a part of the game and no front office member has a crystal ball that can foresee who is going to go down at any given time.

I’m a Braves fan, win, lose or draw. Francouer will be back. He’s suffering from the slump from Hades. It makes sense for him to work with Wellman, because Phillip is the best judge of his swing.

For all the bashing, management gave Francouer his choice of minor league assignments. That in and of itself shows respect for a player that everyone knows is going to be a big part of the organization for years to come.

No one asked Langerhans where he wanted to go. He got shuffled off to Oakland and then to the Nats. He’s been on the Major League-Minor League shuttle ever since.

Francouer will be back, he will be productive and he will succeed at the Major League level. Hopefully, all that success will come in a Braves’ uniform.

As for character, Francouer has plenty. If anyone bothered to go to Spring Training in Florida, you would see that. Jeff goes above the call of duty when signing autographs for kids and adults alike.

His pride was severely bruised with the demotion, but without that same amout of pride, he would never have made it to the show at all - period.

Get your swing down Jeff, hurry back and show us the player we all know that you really are.

God’s Speed my friend.

By Paul in Richmond

July 6, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

The problem is small-town thinking.

The AJC hypes local boys like a small town newspaper. As if the player’s use of the local facilities somehow makes him a better player or more of our kin. That is silly and it is not “big league”

Then the bloggers continue to think we can “fire” our way to the top. Lots of teams fire managers, coaches and players. That is not what wins games. Playing good baseball wins games.

Those snotty bloggers who are keeping track of every slight or insult are forgetting that when players don’t play good baseball then the team loses. Period.

Jeff is not playing good baseball. Despite our hopes he may be stuck in low for a long time. (Remember Wolers?) And with a few exceptions this team is playing very bad baseball. (Has anyone taught Blanco how an outfielder catches a fly ball? Or hits a cutoff man?)

I will give you this - if the team continues to stink then the only reason to go to the games will be to watch your local boy and take him out for ice cream afterwards. Cause this bunch won’t get to the post season playing like they are now.

By Golfer

July 6, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Stop being such a baby Frenchy! Your response and disrespect only made you look like a spoiled brat who doesn’t deserve to be on the team and representing our state. Sometimes the truth hurts, and things happen in life that we don’t like - but we are each responsible for how we react, and what we choose to do with it and how. This is business, and you responded like a baby. So not only should you work on your swing, but also work on that attitude. We want a “golden boy” that’s mature and professional enough to know how to respond appropriately and tactfully. Keep your emotions in check, and save it for people close to you in private. Not only that, it would behoove you to pay close attention and strive to mirror the attributes of Smoltz - there is a reason why he is greatly respected and admired beyond his baseball skills. I could care less at this point if Frenchy is dropped - we don’t need whiners and spoiled brats, and his response only revealed his true character! It’s one thing to be frustrated and upset, as that is being human, but it is another when you don’t know how to leash it and respond professionally. If you do come back, Frenchy, you may want to consider some humble pie of a public apology and ownership to your behavior…and acknowledging the privilege it is to be on the team and to have made it this far. Frenchy, give us something to be proud of and respect, more than just some comeback!

By Bill S.

July 6, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Without a doubt Frenchy and McCann are two of my favorite players. They are my favorites because they play for my favorite team, the Braves. The story of their friendship from childhood to the majors is stuff books are written about. But, realistically, how long could the Braves wait? Until Frenchy passed the Mendoza line of .200? Frenchy put on 15 poundas in the offseason and it did not help his power or his range in the outfield. He needs to understand that it is his job to stay in tip-top shape.

The stay in the minors will straighten out his swing. That’s why he was sent there. But he needs to look at this situation with the eyes and heart of an adult, not a pampered superstar. Baseball is a team game. If one part of the team is not producing, the team suffers. When he comes back, he needs to remember that the needs of the team come ahead of the needs of one player, no matter how well-liked.

By 82DAWG

July 6, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

He needs some time off from the show. Trying to overcome what has become a mental obstacle just could not be done under a microscope that is major league baseball. I hope that he quickly finds what made him successful and rides that back to Atlanta. Good luck Jeff, see you back in Atlanta soon.

By SportsFan101

July 6, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

I agree - Frenchy needs to get a grip on his attitude…furthermore, although the friendship between Frenchy and McCann are to be admired, hopefully McCann won’t fall into the same path of his father, Howie, and all his extramarital affairs through his local baseball academy with student’s moms. If that stuff hits the fan, it will only be a great distraction and disgrace to McCann as a player. Frenchy, get it together - at least for your own sake.

By AJC Sports

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

Urgent headline!!!!

Francoeur foul tips an 0-2 pitch. News at 11.

By Tennille Dawg

July 6, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

I just read a good take on this issue at

www.anopiniononsports.com

Give it a read..

By Hal Todd

July 6, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

The bloggers make many very appropriate comments.Lack of coaching,ie bunting, hitting, base stealing, advancing runners etc, etc. Now Frenchie is a cry baby and should listen while in Mississippi, and not say one word to the papers. I think he should move over to Richmond BEFORE he gets back to the Braves. At the moment he cannot even catch balls, throw to the proper base, etc. He may be a fine person, but he really needs to learn to be as good as his hype.

By kayla

July 6, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Everybody goes into a slump of some sort. This is definitely a wake up call for Francoeur. He’ll be back soon!

By Eddie

July 6, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

well i like jeff a lot hes an awesome player one of my fav players but honestly he stinks and idk why what wrong w/ him but i think he should be there for a while after all star break he should be fine and i think he’s going to show everybody that he deserves the big contract he wants and i think he deserves but just not right now, he will be fine and i cant wait until he is back up and starts ripping the ball being the good hitter we all know he is and can be…GO BRAVES!!