Atlanta Braves Bring Home Outfielder Jeff Francoeur
By Fred Owens
Wandering the Leagues
Francoeur split 2010 between the Mets and the Rangers, moved to Kansas City for a year and a half and San Francisco in 2013. He had a cup of coffee with the Padres in 2014 but spent most of the year in El Paso wher ehe was famously punked by his teammates into believing Jorge Reyes (now a Braves farm hand) was deaf.
In 2015 Francoeur landed in Philadelphia and as their fourth outfielder had his best season since 2011 posting a .258/.286/.433/.718 line with 13 homers. While at El Paso he filled in as a pitcher in 8 games posting a 3.68 ERA in 7 1/3 IP so when the Phillies needed an arm in a blowout Francoeur took the mound and allowed two runs in two innings pitched.
What Can The Braves Expect
While most think that Francoeur shot his bolt a long time ago, there is evidence that someone may have encouraged the Braves to sign him. With Kansas City in 2011 Frenchy seemed to have found his mojo, posting a .285/.329/.476/.805 line under the guidance of . . Kevin Seitzer.
At 32 Francoeur isn’t an everyday player any longer and while his arm is still strong and accurate he had a couple of well publicized faux pas on defense last year. If however Seitzer can coax a line anywhere near the one he put up in KC out of Francoeur he could be a useful piece as the year goes on.
Next: Prospecting the Braves top 20
That’s A Wrap
In case you don’t remember rest of the Baby Braves were Brian McCann, Kelly Johnson, Wilson Betemet, Kyle Davies, Blaine Boyer, Joey Devine, Chuck James,Ryan Langerhans, Pete Orr, Brayan Pena, Maccay, McBride, Andy Marte, Andrew Lerew, Roman Colo, Matt Chiders, Jorge Vasquez and Frank Brooks.
I for one am glad Jeff is back with the Braves and hope that all the old disagreements are forgotten and the fans welcome him back. That’s my take, what’s yours?