The Francoeur trade: A sad but necessary ending
This is how much the Braves wanted rid of Jeff Francoeur: They traded him to a team they’ll play 19 times a year, which means they’d rather put themselves in the repeated position of losing to him than have kept him around here. That’s how far the Golden Child had fallen, and how fast.
If you’d hung around the team this summer, you could tell the Braves’ patience had reached its end. Even after his Texas tutorial with Rudy Jaramillio, Francoeur was the same as he’d been last season, give or take. Even after vowing many times to be a new Frenchy, he was the familiar flailing Frenchy. And the Braves had seen enough.
He’s not a bad guy — on the contrary, he’s a fine fellow — but neither is he easy to coach. He’d been a success in every sport at every level but couldn’t master the adjustments every successful big-league hitter must make. It’s not that he didn’t try to change. He changed his swing several times. Trouble was, he couldn’t change himself.
Francoeur is a baseball player with a football mentality, and that doesn’t cut it over the long haul. A baseball player must be measured in his approach. The same aggressiveness that made Francoeur one of the greatest high school football players this blessed state has ever seen — as a Parkview junior, he averaged a touchdown catch as a wide receiver and an interception as a defensive back per game — ultimately rendered him a substandard big-league hitter.
Terry Pendleton and Bobby Cox get hammered for not imparting plate discipline on their prized pupil, but Francoeur was swinging at everything before he became a Brave. He batted eight times in a playoff doubleheader his senior season at Parkview; seven times he swung at the first pitch. He could get away with it then because he was just so gifted, but gifts alone don’t cut it in the major leagues. Not for long.
Loading ...Francoeur arrived in 2005 and rose to the moment, and we really expected no less. After all, he was a big-time athlete who’d spent his young life rising to such moments. But the Francoeur of 2008 and 2009 was a shadow of the rookie Frenchy. That one was dauntless. This one was aimless. For that first giddy season we were shocked if he made an out; for the past two summers we’ve been surprised if he gets a hit.
I can’t say this trade pleases me — I’ve known Francoeur since he was 17 and like him very much — but I have to say I saw it coming. By going to Jaramillo, he’d damaged his standing with Pendleton and Cox, and the only way you mend a damaged baseball relationship is by producing. And Francoeur had stopped producing at an acceptable rate. He’d become a liability. He needed something he could never get as a Brave. He needed a new start.
And now he has one. I hope he makes it work. I hope he hits .300 and drives in 100 runs next season and every season thereafter, and I don’t care if he inflicts major damage on his former employer. For the good of both parties, this was a trade the Braves had to make. Even if the only team willing to take Francoeur was the hated Mets, the Braves still had to make it.
On July 7, 2005, Jeff Francoeur hit a home run in his first big-league game. Four years and three days later, he was traded for Ryan Church, a right fielder having an even worse year. Four years and three days later, the Golden Child was given the golden boot.
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531 comments Add your comment
Bruce
July 10th, 2009
9:08 pm
Somebody help me understand why a GM would make a trade with a division rival that doesn’t really help the team out?
Somebody ? …..
Anybody ? ….
Bueller? ….. Bueller?
All of you are idiots
July 10th, 2009
9:10 pm
Career stats 162 game average over about the same number of years:
Church – .273 avg, .345 obp, 790 ops., 66 runs, 72 rbi, 16 hr, 6 sb
Frenchy – .266 avg, .308 obp, 732 ops., 80 runs, 92 rbi, 20 hr, 4 sb
granted, that’s only 498 AB per 162 games for church and 630 for Frenchy. Evening out the ABs, Church goes up to 83 runs, 91 rbi, 20 hr, 8 sb. those are better numbers while hitting in a worse lineup slot for a worse team. church may not be a better “prospect,” but I’m sick of waiting for Frenchy coming around. Since his rookie year he’s only batted over .260 once. Church has never batted under .270.
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 10th, 2009
9:10 pm
Bruce, go back and read the article. Mark addresses this issue.
Mark Bradley
July 10th, 2009
9:11 pm
Mrs. CB, you are prescient.
the truth...
July 10th, 2009
9:12 pm
Typical Wren give-away….so we go from a safety minded outfieder to a concussion prone Met…
Bradley…your continual relentless columns demeaning the kid got under my skin long ago….and did anyone ever tell you how much better Dave O’brien’s columns are?????
So your vendetta to get Jeff out of Atlanta finally worked….maybe we can get you run out of town…maybe you can go where ever Terrance went…sure would be nice…
Reality
July 10th, 2009
9:13 pm
This was just a trade for the Braves to officially close the chapter on Francine and open up the way for Jason Heyward. Now Heyward may not be up here until 2011, but Church is nothing more then a temporary stop gap anyways. The Braves are clearly planning for 2011 when they will have both Freeman and Heyward on the team, along with the rest of the core group of this team.
We just have to accept that we are in an unofficial rebuilding period right now with 2011 being the year that we will be back to true contenders. The Braves now are like the Braves in the late 80’s, except they are much more competitive then those lousy teams.
Alex
July 10th, 2009
9:13 pm
the dude is 25 years old. this is a terrible move.
we add another lefty to a line up way to heavy on leftys.
the kid has a rocket in right field. show some patience and send him down and dont bring him back until he is ready.
once again the braves do not show loyalty to a club house or fan favorite. glavine, smoltz, and now frenchy? how are the braves going to attract big name free agents in order to get us back to the land of not so long ago.
listen to chipper on braves live, does he sound happy? no.
yunel escobar is a punk and a clubhouse disaster. shop him.
Reality
July 10th, 2009
9:14 pm
Somebody help me understand why a GM would make a trade with a division rival that doesn’t really help the team out?
Somebody ? …..
Anybody ? ….
Bueller? ….. Bueller?
Bruce – I you can say the exact same thing from the New York perspective, which I guarantee you they are.
E Buzz Miller
July 10th, 2009
9:15 pm
I’ve always admired Ryan Church….He’s a BRAVE….but to trade Frenchy to a division rival……that’s just INSANE….Jeff will kick our ass for the next ten years………..after the Smoltz and Glavine embarrassments,…..I REALLY have SERIOUS doubts about Wren’s abilities now….This was a STUPID move
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 10th, 2009
9:19 pm
Does anyone actually read the blog before commenting? It’s pretty obvious we were pretty desperate to get rid of Frenchy. We had to pay them. And the fact that we were willing to give him to a division rival indicates that we’d rather play against him than play with him. The Braves are not afraid of Jeff Francoeur.
Chris
July 10th, 2009
9:21 pm
You trade a guy you are going to non-tender….for a guy you are going to non-tender…and cash…to a in-division rival.
What the Frenchy?
I could have taken a trade to KC, at least you wouldn’t have to have seen him in a Mets uniform. At least he doesn’t have to play in front of the idiots on this blog anymore.
35YearBravesFan
July 10th, 2009
9:21 pm
Dr. R. – I wholeheartedly agree.
GO BRAVES!!!
Quint
July 10th, 2009
9:21 pm
I have to disagree that this is good for Jeff to get a new start in New York. It’s New York. The fans and tabloids will eat him alive up there. They will get in his head and he might not be playing ball in 3 years. I think this is one of the worst trades for Jeff. I hope it works out for the Braves, though.
Bill
July 10th, 2009
9:22 pm
Great job Mark.
It don’t really matter if Jeff was traded to the Mets. If he plays the same with Mets as he did with Braves it will help the Braves. Church will be a better player I believe. I do wish JF the best of Luck.
Mark Bradley
July 10th, 2009
9:23 pm
Well said, Mrs. CB. I should just let you handle this.
Oh, and thanks, Chris. But I’ve been in this business long enough to know that if someone agrees with you, you’re a genius. If someone doesn’t, you’re an idiot. It comes with the territory.
DirtyDawg
July 10th, 2009
9:23 pm
Well said Mark…couldn’t have put it better myself.
Couple of thoughts…if Jeff ever was going to get it through his head that he had to make changes, this move had to come. If Jeff thought trying to play in front of hometown fans was tough, he ain’t seen nothin’ yet. If Jeff doesn’t turn some things around and hit 300 – at least against the Braves – then I look for him to see if Clemson would still have him.
Face it, if it were ever going to happen (again) for Jeff in Atlanta it would have happened (again) by now. A bit of advice Jeff…don’t bite the hand that fed you all those years on the way out…play down the expectations in NY so those fans give you, at least, a little slack…and whatever you do, don’t say anything about not liking to ride the subway to Queens or have your picture taken in a tree stand.
TPM
July 10th, 2009
9:23 pm
Jeff Francoeur and Ryan Church both needed a fresh start. Ryan is a better baseball player at the moment, but Jeff has more potential. I really believe Jeff has the tools to be an all-star if he gets better disciplined at the plate. But I guess time ran out on him here.
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 10th, 2009
9:24 pm
I got your back, MB.
Greg
July 10th, 2009
9:24 pm
I am glad for the trade. I was tired you yelling at the tv everytime he came to bat. JF have fune with the NY media. You will be out of baseball in a year. Go to clempson and play fooball. lol
Hokieman
July 10th, 2009
9:25 pm
I am sorry it did not work out for Francouer being an Atlanta native. But I am very glad to see him go. I have never seen anyone with less discipline at the plate. Trading him to the mets a bad idea? I don’t think so, as long as we play him at double play depth and never throw him a strike he won’t hit. When his slump first started a couple of years ago I was behind him due to his defense. Last year and this year his defense has sucked. His arm is now inaccurate and I don’t think he gets that good of a jump on the ball either.
I do actually wish him luck but I guarantee you the new york press will eat him alive. He will be booed unmercifully.
Bill
July 10th, 2009
9:26 pm
Buss miller, JF hasn’t kick any a@@ in 2 years. What makes you think he will now?
NY Edward
July 10th, 2009
9:27 pm
I just wanna say (as a Mets fan) that i think both teams got what they wanted. Atlanta gets rid of Francouer, who i guess they were fed up with. And my Mets get a player with good upside who hasnt hit the magical age in baseball (26, 27 is when MOST sluggers breakout..proven fact..its when most young men fully mature as far as strength)..Im guessin we take a good look at him the rest of the season and make a decision at seasons end. I personally think the kids been tryin to hard for his hometown and he’ll flourish in NYC..Wishful thinking?? matbe..we will soon see.
itpdude
July 10th, 2009
9:27 pm
To the Mets? To The Mets? TO THE METS?
Bubba
July 10th, 2009
9:28 pm
Trade Wren instead.
George Jr
July 10th, 2009
9:28 pm
Someone needs too fire Frank Wren!!!! i probably wont be the first Atlanta Brave and Jeff Francouer fan too say that. I understand that Jeff’s offense numbers has been down the last year and a half but how about his defense. He is one of the best defensive outfielders out there how many runners in his career has he thrown out at homeplate does anyone have any idea? I love the Atlanta Braves since 1990 when i started watchin baseball and fell in love them and Jeff was the best right fielder the Braves has had since Sheffield dont get me wrong he was good but Francouer was alot better and consider him one of the greatest in right field. If any team why would they trade Jeff too New York Mets there our rivals there our top enemies and we would trade him for Ryan Church he is having a good offense year hitting almost 300 but his defense isnt even close too Jeff Francouer. Im hoping some of the braves fans feel like i am and want frank wren as gone much as i am he hasnt really made a great deal or trade since he became. Jeff Francouer #7 will always be my one of the top favorite players rite next too Chipper Jones as much as i hate the mets i hope you keep doing great and prove Frank Wren wrong. So what you going to do next Frank Wren trade Chipper or Mac? we all love u Jeff always will
Reality
July 10th, 2009
9:28 pm
I just went to the NY Daily News and read the story there and the comments, and I can tell you that almost all of them there don’t like this move either. They are trashing their organization and team for doing this.
Mark Bradley
July 10th, 2009
9:29 pm
A word or two about the pressures of playing in New York: It exists there, sure, but generally the pressure is one of expectations. Frenchy isn’t going there as a billion-dollar free agent; he’s coming as damaged goods. This isn’t the same as the Yankees trading for A-Rod or signing CC Sabathia.
That said, there are a slew of media outlets in New York. I’m about to go on two radio stations — WFAN 660 AM and ESPN 1050 AM — in the next hour.
choozer
July 10th, 2009
9:30 pm
Keep in mind, in comparing their stats for the season, that Francouer got his in 304 AB vs. Church’s 232 AB. That may at least partially explain Francouer’s advantage in HR and RBI.
ha ha
July 10th, 2009
9:31 pm
Tell the mets fans Rocker is the new pitching coach.
E Buzz Miller
July 10th, 2009
9:33 pm
Gotta agree NY Edward…………I think Church will thrive here in the ATL but you guys just got the NATURAL…..He WAS trying too hard here ….He WILL flourish in NY
Marc
July 10th, 2009
9:34 pm
I have “Georgia On My Mind” for ya Jeff, but thank God you’re gone. Good luck with your new team.
The Georgia Donkey
July 10th, 2009
9:35 pm
Great! Now we can all move on to bitching about someone else. All weve heard is get rid of Frenchy for a bag of balls, so now that hes gone quit with the whining. Doesnt matter who we got, he needed a change of scenery bottom line. We still need a power hitter from the right side, this doesnt change that but we dont have any trade bait cause Wren would have to be a dumb azz donkey to trade Escobar or Vazquez, who with any run support would be in the running for the Cy Young this year. Huddy has no trade value right now, KJ needs to go next & Norton needs to be released. Gonzo is a possibility to trade, put him with KJ, Acosta, or Logan & get a righty bat, resign Soriano to close he is lights out
Chuck (Athens, GA)
July 10th, 2009
9:35 pm
You just don’t trade him to the Mets. No matter what. You don’t trade anyone to the Mets. You cut him before you give him away to a division rival. There is absolutely no way you can argue against that.
Kyle
July 10th, 2009
9:36 pm
Somebody please tell me what were the big mistakes Frank Wren made with Smoltz and Glavine? Glavine hasn’t be picked up by anyone. Smoltz 2 starts, 0-2, 15 innings, 11 earned runs that’s a 6.60 ERA. hmmmmm maybe just maybe Wren knows something?
NY Edward
July 10th, 2009
9:38 pm
The main difference is that Frenchy still has potential (maybe he never fulfills it but it’s there) Church is 30, he’s not gonna have a breakout season next year. So it’s the promise of Frenchy vs. the “i know what im getting” of Church..take ur pick
Braindawg
July 10th, 2009
9:39 pm
I being a long time Braves fan loving JF for his career in Atl. Am sad but happy to see him go. He needed a new start and this is the only fare was to treat him. Sad to see you leave Jeff best of luck, Maybe not against the Braves though. AS A SIDE NOTE, TALKED WITH MY MOTHER, A BRAVES FAN LONGER THAN I OF COURSE, WAS DISAPPOINTED TO SAY THE LEAST. SHE HAS SWORN OFF THE BRAVES, AND SAID THEIR NEW NAME IS THE MISFITS, NO LONGER THE BRAVES, AFTER THE SMOLTZ, GLAVINE, TRADING TEX. SHE NOW WONDERS WHATS NEXT TRADING CHIPPER. SHE SAYS THEIR NO LONGER THE BRAVES, BUT NOW ARE THE MISFITS. AND WITH THAT BRAVO FANS, I SAY GOODBYE TO FRENCHY AND TO YOU. THAT IS ALL, GO BRAVES!!!
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 10th, 2009
9:40 pm
I think it’s more of a gamble than a promise.
E Buzz Miller
July 10th, 2009
9:41 pm
Kyle…………….with both Smoltz and Glavine, Wren showed them NO respect….these guys were ICONS and future HOFers and he just let em go……………..
NY Edward
July 10th, 2009
9:41 pm
Now just give us Tommy Hanson for Oliver Perez and we’ll be fine!! lol
Kyle
July 10th, 2009
9:44 pm
E Buzz Miller..you are correct icons and future HOFers but they have to know when to hang ‘em up. Icons and future Hofers don’t when pennants
Poorjeff
July 10th, 2009
9:44 pm
Thanks Frank Wren, Now we still need a power hitter at 1st are LF so get busy and keep up the good job.
E Buzz Miller
July 10th, 2009
9:44 pm
Braindawg………………tell Mom not to give up hope !…This is a BAD move though
ToddH
July 10th, 2009
9:44 pm
Kyle, one reason is it scares off free agents to see an organization treat veterans with so little respect. It didn’t break my heart to see Smoltz go. I think he probably wanted to go to a team that was a favorite to make the playoffs. Glavine, the decision to cut him was basically Wren admitting he made a mistake in signing him in the first place. I know some said he had lost velocity in the minors, but he’s a proven winner, and I don’t think he would have been out there too long in the big leagues getting knocked around. He would have retired before it got too bad.
It’s easy to manage a team on paper, but when you’re talking about real people, I do think you have to consider how a move affects the chemistry of a team. How do you think McCann feels today? Is he going to be able to put all of it behind him? Does Chipper like the way Frank Wren makes moves like a fantasy team manager? We’ll see, I guess the guys just have to be professional ballplayers and move on, but it’s asking a lot in my opinion.
SickandTired
July 10th, 2009
9:45 pm
Francouer, great kid, saw him play in high school, but he’s got a whole in his swing you could drive a semi through and the major league pitching exposed it. He’s not patient and he’s so predictable I could call pitches when he’s batting. I’m afraid he’s done to tell you the truth. If he was coachable, Bobby Cox would have gotten him to listen. Good luck Frenchy, may your future be bright but save your money wisely.
Gov. Clinton Tyree
July 10th, 2009
9:45 pm
I cannot BELIEVE the people calling for Frank Wren’s head. Exactly what were you expecting for Jeff Francoeur? Exactly what are you worried about that he’s going to visit on the Braves as a member of the Mets?
He’s a .240 hitter without discipline and without power who, for reasons clear only to him, was trotted out to RF 155 games per season by Bobby Cox.
Even if Ryan Church were a nullity, this would be a good deal. I think Church will be useful. He’s started to get it going several times in his career only to be derailed by injury.
Pete Nose
July 10th, 2009
9:47 pm
best thing For francour and the Braves. he’ll do well in NY.
AlforATL
July 10th, 2009
9:47 pm
I’m laughing so hard at all these posts about how Wren should have gotten more for Francouer. Seriously guys, stop. My sides hurt.
E Buzz Miller
July 10th, 2009
9:48 pm
Kyle…. Even though BOTH of those guys refused to Retire he should have held a press conference or SOMETHING announcing their leaving the Braves and honoring them as ledgends
buckhead benny
July 10th, 2009
9:48 pm
frenchy is a baby period- Instead of saying he was mad for not being in the lineup hitting 243- he should have said he was mad at himself for not playing better and could understand why you would want a hot hitter in the lineup that can help our team- no jeff didn’t say that or think that- F him- Good riddance this trade was to get rid of a cry baby cancer in the clubhouse and let Matt Diaz who is hitting 320 play everyday- And don’t forget we actually gave cash to the mets to take francouer- If that doesn’t tell you something-
Gov. Clinton Tyree
July 10th, 2009
9:49 pm
Chuck from Athens:
You just don’t trade him to the Mets. No matter what. You don’t trade anyone to the Mets. You cut him before you give him away to a division rival. There is absolutely no way you can argue against that.
I can. I don’t care that he went to the Mets, just as I didn’t care when Ryan Langerhans went to the Nats. I DON’T CARE. He was a black hole offensively.