Francoeur Sent Back to Double-A and Is Pretty Teed Off at the Whole Process

Contrary to what the Braves impressed upon everyone yesterday, they have decided to ship Jeff Francoeur to the minor leagues in AA Mississippi (do not pass AAA, do not collect $200). He, unsurprisingly, is not thrilled with the decision.

"This has really put a damper on my relationship with the Atlanta Braves," Francoeur told the AJC.

"I love playing for the city, I love playing for the fans and always have," said Francoeur, a graduate of Parkview High School in Lilburn. "But I'm disappointed with the decision and how the whole process went down."

[...]"I do not agree with this, but I have to do what I have to do," Francoeur said.

Francoeur said he was given the option of going to AAA Richmond and AA Mississippi and chose Mississippi because of his relationship with manager Phillip Wellman, who was his hitting coach when he was last in the minors in Mississippi in 2005.

Well, honestly, you can't blame him. Getting shipped to the minors by a team that's under .500 is pretty daggum embarrassing. It's not as if Frenchy has never struggled either; he's pretty notorious for having an OBP that registers F-A-I-L on most standard measuring devices.

But this move better be designed to angrily motivate the outfielder, because the last thing Frank Wren needs at this juncture is to chafe the fanbase any more. Even then it might be too late, as it sounds like Frenchy is going to remember this come contract time. (To sum up: the smarter move would have been to let him work through it at the big league level.)

Fantasy Spin: Francoeur hasn't done anything this year worthwhile, but he won't be in the minors for more than two weeks, and that makes him a nice buy low right now. I expect a large second half, although if your league is heavily based on OBP, you might want to think twice.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

7-04-2008 @ 5:31PM

HJ said...

Skipping AAA and going straight to AA was not a snub. Jeff was given the option and he chose Mississippi because he has a relationship with the manager there. Apparently the guy has helped Jeff a lot with his hitting in the past.

7-04-2008 @ 8:14PM

Burford Harly said...

In the case of Francoeur - Not putting the young man down in fact, we are in his corner, but life is like that. Anytime that you begin to feel indespensible, you are on your way out! After 81 years of just living life, I find that to be a very true observation.

7-09-2008 @ 6:26PM

gooey miles said...

the new version of andrew jones swing at everything

7-07-2008 @ 10:53PM

Randy G said...

Haha! It's about time that something was done to get Franken-cour's attention. He swings at every damn pitch thrown his way no matter what the situation...I.E. It's pretty hard to hit a 5 run homer, Frenchy. Sometimes you just need baserunners but French Fry you never got the message. Now go sulk in AA and figure out why you're there, Dumbass!

7-07-2008 @ 12:12AM

7-10-2008 @ 4:15PM

Hyatt Regency Atlanta said...

Hyatt Regency Atlanta has partnered with [URL="http://www.statsatl.com/home.php"]STATS[/URL], the coolest sports-themed restaurant and bar around, to deliver a Braves baseball package unlike any other. STATS is the only restaurant in the U.S. with TableTap technology, which allows you to pour your own beers right at your table. Delicious and innovative food round out this all-inclusive package that has everything you need for your trip to Turner Field.

In addition to luxurious hotel accommodations at Hyatt Regency Atlanta, you will get:

- 2 Atlanta Braves game tickets on the exclusive Golden Moon Casino Level (formerly the Lexus Level)
- Pre-game meal at STATS
- Transportation to and from the game via STATS Foodplay Shuttle
- Beverages aboard STATS Foodplay Shuttle

[URL="http://atlantaregency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/offers/details.jsp?pid=2060&offerCode=&specialOfferId=15974316&corp_id=29934"]Click here[/URL] for more information.