Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: Western Woes, Frenchy Fits
Jeff Francoeur is NOT being shopped
A curious report was heard over the weekend… until Ken Rosenthal got his facts straight.
"Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports shared via Twitter on Sunday that the Braves are “aggressively shopping” shortstop Erick Aybar and left fielder Jeff Francoeur along with left-handed relievers, citing a rival executive. (ESPN.com)"
That surprised us here… we’ve been hearing that Atlanta not only wanted to keep Frenchy around, but even keep him around for next year.
Fortunately, Kenny found another/better source.
Had reported earlier in the day that #Braves were "aggressively shopping" Francouer. Source says that is not the case.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 25, 2016
Correction: #Braves expect to hold Francoeur unless they receive strong offer. Earning $1M. Team values his leadership and makeup.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 25, 2016
Sounds good. Even as this team has been struggling, it’s good to have that smile around.
Absent that part of the rumor: yes, lefty relief pitchers and Erick Aybar are on the clearance rack as the trade deadline approaches. We’ll see if there’s any takers.
Meanwhile: all quiet on the Chris Sale front. Latest word is that the White Sox are not motivated to trade their ace. The Rangers, for one, are moving off in a different direction. Well, maybe the White Sox should have maybe not bothered to mention cutting ties with him in the first place, then.
See what I did there?