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
Larry Orange
July 10th, 2009
10:22 pm
Its funny only two bloggers have said anything about the effect of this on Brian McCann. Jeff was his best friend and former roommate. If McCann starts to falter,then what will happen. I think its another stupid move by a GM who is ruining this club just like he did in Baltimore. If you would notice, the Orioles have not had a winning season since 1997. He doing the Braves the same way. I hope Frenchy comes back next weekend and hits a walk-off grand slam. Seriously, we need a new GM bad.
One Post Girl
July 10th, 2009
10:22 pm
Wow. All I can say, is that I am glad that JF got away from the ATL hate for him. Now, the question is…All you haters out there, including DOB and Mark Bradley, who is your hext target?
DD
July 10th, 2009
10:24 pm
Yawn. Both players mediocre. No big help for either team. At least Frenchy could stay healthy. Church will be a regular on the DL.
20+ Year Season Ticket Holder
July 10th, 2009
10:24 pm
Enter your comments here
Bye Bye
July 10th, 2009
10:24 pm
Unfortunately, Frenchy was too uncoachable (read = arrogant) for AAA and therefore, the Braves had no choice but to let him go. Right now the Braves need disciplined players in the lineup. Good Riddance Frenchy!
Foster
July 10th, 2009
10:25 pm
If Frenchy can’t produce in Atlanta, how do you expect him to handle the pressure of playing in New York? Thought so – he’ll wilt.
Peter
July 10th, 2009
10:26 pm
Come on folks…..every time he came up with bases loaded we cringed !
Mark Bradley
July 10th, 2009
10:28 pm
This was not the trade for the big bat we’ve been awaiting. This was the trade to get Jeff Francoeur off the roster. I know it sounds cold, but I really can’t see how else to interpret it.
MatthewH
July 10th, 2009
10:28 pm
This may have ben covered already, and if so, I apologize, but I have heard that Church didn’t get along with the Mets manager. Anybody know if this is true? And if it could happen here?
D.Ellis
July 10th, 2009
10:28 pm
LArry Orange-If Brian McCann begins to falter because we just traded his best friend then I would say SUCK IT YOU CRY BABY MILLIONAIRE…..go get a T-Mobile plan or whatever it is and put him in your top 5…….. McCann can blame himself for not sharing his daddies hitting time in the cage with his best friend.
the real OLD GOLD
July 10th, 2009
10:29 pm
How about we trade Gonzo…. he can’t pitch a solid inning once a few times a week? Surely we could get a bat for his sorry butt.
Bob Horny
July 10th, 2009
10:29 pm
Larry Orange, do you really think Wren and Braves management were worried about a grown man (McCann) getting upset about a trade??? McCann is a professional and a four-time all-star. He’ll be fine. In fact, I’d be willing to bet all of Frenchy’s struggles probably weighed on him. So, this might be a good thing for BMac.
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 10th, 2009
10:29 pm
Dale Murphy, what dumb comment of mine are you referring to?
20+ Year Season Ticket Holder
July 10th, 2009
10:29 pm
To Folks Who Care,
I actually do have 20+ years with Braves.
This is my first time (second posting) doing this.
I have 4 seats in 311 next to John S’s/Frank W’s seats.
I love the Braves.
This destroys the fabric of their magic.
Also, dugout in 106.
Mark Bradley–you have my mailbox address by virtue of my post.
John and Frank, same for you.
Going public.
Genie is out of the bottle.
Damage control.
Ted.
Buy it now.
Malone is a seller.
GO BRAVES.
Bob Horny
July 10th, 2009
10:30 pm
D. Ellis, your post is legendary. LOVE IT.
Noah
July 10th, 2009
10:30 pm
Fury…find me a team that hasn’t traded away players that went on to be stars. Being a lifelong Seattle fan I can tell you that you can put together an all star team of ex seattle players and the same can be said for many teams. Without trades the braves wouldn’t have half their starting rotation or at least a third of their starting lineup.
Chris
July 10th, 2009
10:31 pm
I disagree that defense is overrated. Case in point, Garrett Anderson. He’s a magician, you almost never see him in shot. Anyone need a triple? Hit it to left.
Hell, I would have taken Guillen over Church. Anyone really think Church will be given a roster spot next year? We might as well kept Frenchy the rest of the year and then non-tendered him.
Mark Bradley
July 10th, 2009
10:32 pm
Matthew, that’s an interesting topic. And here, from Brian Costa of the Newark Star-Ledger is a recap of the complicated relationship between Church and Jerry Manuel.
Ken Stallings
July 10th, 2009
10:32 pm
Mark, about as fair a parting column as an athlete can hope to receive from a local sports reporter. I agree with everything you said.
I think the Braves made a good trade. Frenchy might turn out to become again a star player, but I doubt it. Ryan Church gives the Braves a vastly more dependable bat at a critical portion of the season.
Macphisto
July 10th, 2009
10:32 pm
Hopefully this means the end to those “Sportsouth” rain delay regurgitated broadcasts of the Golden Boy documentary.
“Au revoir frenchie”
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 10th, 2009
10:33 pm
Wait, I think I see. I was only referring to one sentence in Ronald’s post… “[Frenchy] doesn’t make the lineup.” I had taken issue before with Jeff’s lack of responsibility and not conceding that sitting out was what was best for the team, much like Shafer and KJ said.
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 10th, 2009
10:34 pm
Next time, Dale, take the time to read through all — or at least some — of the comment to get an idea of the context of later ones. No wonder you got traded.
Chris
July 10th, 2009
10:34 pm
BTW, anyone see Chipper’s pre-game reaction? Even though Chipper was frustrated with Jeff, it was definetly a WTF moment. Chipper basically saying ‘It’s Frank Wren’s decision, let’s hope he knows what he’s doing.’
A vote of confidence it was not. McCann actually was the more positive one. He knows Jeff needed to go somewhere new. Mets fans will enjoy having someone without post-concussion syndrome.
Dale Murphy
July 10th, 2009
10:34 pm
Mrs. CB, the dumb comment was obvious. You are blaming Bobby and Company for Frenchy’s struggles??? Really? We should have moved him up in the lineup??? Frenchy couldn’t bat cleanup in China. Seriously, just because you LOVE a guy doesn’t mean he’s right for this team. Put aside your love… er… loyalty to Frenchy and be honest with yourself. HE HAD TO GO. And who cares where he plays. The Mets are playing terrible baseball right now. They are sliding faster than your Mom on the pole at the Cheetah.
RAD
July 10th, 2009
10:35 pm
It looks like the Braves got another Bobby Cox type player; He’s an aging left handed batter that stays on the DL.
Ted Turner
July 10th, 2009
10:35 pm
Following up on my previous comments, I have inside info that Frank Wrenagade is in talks with the Phillies over a Kenny Powers for Mike Gonzales trade.
Atlanta Braves 2009 – True definition of Eastbound & Down. All we need now is to bring back Chief Knockahoma… (If only it was that easy…)
Excuse me while I go beat up Jane…
Angus
July 10th, 2009
10:35 pm
OK Mr. Bradley, you keep saying the move was to get rid of JF. I don’t buy it as good justification for this trade.
Do think it wins more games for us this year? Next year? (I think not for either)
If not, what did we accomplish?
MatthewH
July 10th, 2009
10:36 pm
MB-Thanks for the link
Noah
July 10th, 2009
10:36 pm
Yeah lets trade Gonzo, one of our best pitchers in the pen just because he hits a rough stretch. That means we should also trade Lowe, KK, Moylen,
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 10th, 2009
10:37 pm
Uhhh Dale, I never said that. I am actually one of the few who is PRO-Bobby and when I said “he” sounded like a jerk — I was referring to Jeff. Dale, I cannot believe the stupidity on here, either. Mainly yours. Go back and look at all my comments on this post. I believe MB will back me up on this. (Not your stupidity, but the fact that everything you just posited I “said,” I never did.)
Two Post Girl
July 10th, 2009
10:37 pm
Wow. You people need to serioulsy get a life and stop the negative stuff. Really. There is an off button on your computer. And a door to outside….to a world where people don’t spit venom out on people that don’t even know. Really. So go get a life.
Dale Murphy
July 10th, 2009
10:38 pm
Mrs. CB, I apologize. I was referring to Ronald Millsaps post above saying we should have moved Frenchy up in the lineup. He is the IDIOT. Not you. Sorry about that.
BKbroila
July 10th, 2009
10:38 pm
Wish nothing but the best for Frenchy! He was a favorite, and will be missed, but will have less pressure on him even in NY…believe it or not! Hometown crowds demand the best, and Frenchy tried way too hard to oblige!!! He put a ton of pressure on himself! He will be a huge celebrity in NY and will get to see even more titties than he does in atlanta!!!
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 10th, 2009
10:39 pm
I’m not even a Francoeur fan, so I also don’t LOVE him either. And if I was going to blame anyone for Frenchy’s hitting problems, I’d be like all the other nay-sayers on here and just blame TP.
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 10th, 2009
10:39 pm
Dale, apology accepted. Let’s be friends.
Ryan
July 10th, 2009
10:39 pm
I don’t think the trade helps the Braves at all. Seems it would have made more sense to send him the minors for the rest of the year to see if he could become a hitter again. Then they could have called up someone to give them a shot.
D.Ellis
July 10th, 2009
10:40 pm
MCB-DON”T YOU DARE SPEAK OF THE TRADE OF THE MURPH ON THIS BLOG….ye should be banned for ever for that comment.
Murph-nice Cheetah comment. I cracked a grin. While I have Murph….I have this funny story about my brother. He took oone of you baseball cards and took a hole puncher to it. I was devasted and ate his desert after dinner every night for a year as payback, while locking him outside with no clothes on while the neighbors took out the trash on a few occasions. The beating I took was painful but not as painful as looking at your baseball card. YOU RULE MURPH….THE GREATEST BRAVE EVER.
Kyle
July 10th, 2009
10:41 pm
Mrs CB– Easy to blame TP. But If Frenchy would just lay off the first pitch I’d bet you his average would increase 30pts
Dale Murphy
July 10th, 2009
10:42 pm
Mrs C.B, lets be more than that. I have a 38″ bat.
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 10th, 2009
10:42 pm
Kyle, once again, I am pro-TP. I said nay-sayers so hopefully people would know I wasn’t serious and TP is simply being used as the scapegoat. I’ll be more clear next time.
chas
July 10th, 2009
10:42 pm
Great trade. Frenchy was overrated even when he was productive. He turned into a complete liability the last year and half. If you cannot hit for average or walk or hit for power than what value do you have? The worst part about Frenchy is that I think he could be a very good hitter if he is truly willing to learn how to be patient at the plate. I don’t fear that we have to compete against Frenchy with the Mets. All you have to do is throw him a first pitch at his ankles. I liked the guy’s personality, but he turned into a horrible hitter. But, for his sake I’d like to see him get it together and be productive. I don’t know much about Church, but I like his numbers relative to Frenchy without question.
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 10th, 2009
10:43 pm
I am quickly learning sarcasm do not translate well on the internet.
Joe Schmoe
July 10th, 2009
10:44 pm
Speaking of rain delays, Bobby Cox in my own words is coming on. Trash that video of Jeffy!
Kyle
July 10th, 2009
10:45 pm
Raise you hand if you’d through a first pitch strike to Frenchy…………………….yep that’s what I thought
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
July 10th, 2009
10:45 pm
I was being sarcastic. Quickly learning not to be on blogs, though. I don’t blame TP.
Vincent
July 10th, 2009
10:46 pm
Braves gave up a player:
25 year old
very durable
excellent arm and fielder
tons of potential but one that has lost a lot of confidence at the plate
hometown kid and once golden boy
hard worker
$270,000
Braves receive a player:
5 years older than Frenchy
decent all around player, but nowhere near the fielder
someone who has suffered multiple concussions
better hitter for average definitely less power than Franceour
I know Franceour has been immature at times (i.e. demotion to Double A a year ago) and still hasn’t played his way out of this season and a half slump. I’ve maintained the Braves should get a new hitting coach and maybe that would help Frenchy. Nope, can’t do that. No way in hell do they fire a hitting coach in the middle of the season, but they trade away a hometown golden boy with tons of potential for what? A middle of the road player…another Casey Kotchman type…solid overall player, no power, low salary.
I wasn’t totally against trading him. But this trade…what is the upside? And on top of all that, you trade him to a division rival.
Are you kidding me?
Noah
July 10th, 2009
10:46 pm
Ryan…they tried to send him to the minors last year and he threw a fit, this year he complained when he was sat down for a game or so despite his terrible numbers. Church has a better OBP.
Mark Bradley
July 10th, 2009
10:47 pm
I’ve got your back, Ms. CB.
And I did one of my two NY radio shows. (The second comes up in about 15 minutes.) The folks up there can’t understand the trade from either side.
Kyle
July 10th, 2009
10:47 pm
ok mrs Cb
Noah
July 10th, 2009
10:47 pm
enough with Frenchy and the power. He has 5 hr’s, that translates to 10 for the year and a OBP in the 200’s.