The Jeff Francoeur and Ryan Church trade that the Mets and the Braves completed last night caught a lot of people by surprise, including the players themselves. Below are some reactions and quotes from around the baseball world.
FanHouse tells us this about the trade:
One scout who specializes in the National League called it a win for the Braves, noting that Atlanta seemed unlikely to tender Francoeur a contract after the season, effectively releasing him.
I think everyone, even Francoeur, knew that was the reality. FanHouse also tells us something jaw dropping about how bad Francoeur is:
Francoeur has walked in just 4.8 percent of his career plate appearances with a .308 on-base percentage – the lowest ever of any primarily corner outfielder with 2,500 plate appearances.
I knew he was bad, but the worst every! Wow. Rob Neyer passes along these notes on the trade:
Since coming off the DL in early June, Church's line is .290/.336/.402 ... far from good for a corner outfielder, but decent enough compared to most of the Mets' other outfielders ... and of course a far sight prettier than Francoeur's .250/.282/.352 line for the season.
Defense? According to UZR, there's little difference between them and Church might actually be better.
Baseball America poses a really good question:
Francouer still possesses excess levels of athleticism, with the potential to hit 30 home runs, but he'll need to refine his approach in order to reach his ceiling. What makes the Mets think they can be more successful in this endeavor than the Braves have been?
Omar Minaya has my favorite quote from this trade:
"This had nothing to do with not liking Ryan Church, but, one thing we like about Francoeur is the amount of games he plays,"
What a completely useless thing to say. Why not just go ahead and add that you like him because he swings at every pitch... because he does.
One of the best quotes about what awaits Francoeur comes from Matt Cerrone of MetsBlog:
Francoeur said by phone that he is fired up to play in New York City. That’s good, because New York will likely either inspire Francoeur, and get him back to the player he once was, or it we will eat him alive, and be the final nail in his coffin.
Unfortunately it will likely be the latter. Cerone also says that Jeff will wear uniform number 12.
Prediction: The Mets will non-tender Francoeur at the end of the year, and he will be signed by the Royals.
0 recs | 77 comments
Of course the royals will sign him
Heyward is the next crime dog - July 11, 2009
Goodnight sweet prince 2005 - 2009
ATLandUNC - July 11, 2009
My reaction: Praise to the heavens. I even thanked Tebow.
timmy3 - July 11, 2009
+1
For invoking his holinesses name on an otherwise georgia centric blog
Sid Bream's Moustache - July 11, 2009
Lol the Tebow thing is sort of an on-going joke, because he’s so heralded throughout college football and the worldwide leader. It certainly has nothing to do with my SEC-affiliations. I bleed orange.
timmy3 - July 11, 2009
Gross.
Most hideous team color going.
MichaelProcton - July 11, 2009
+1
From Gainesville, FL
WeNeedDavidJustice - July 11, 2009
How’s his arm? Say what you will about frenchy, but dude had a rocket.
Xshare - July 11, 2009
Has any player ever gotten more mileage out of happening to have a strong OF arm than Jeff Francoeur?
timmy3 - July 11, 2009
he does have a rocket
unfortunately he has the tendency over the last couple of years to air mail the ball and even when he’s at his best, it’s not nearly enough to make up for his bat.
was385 - July 11, 2009
So far everything I’ve read says that Church is about equal defensively. We’ll get to see soon if that’s true, but it’s encouraging.
Gage23 - July 11, 2009
So do most pitchers in the majors...
But you don’t see them getting trotted out there every day as a corner OF because of it.
MichaelProcton - July 11, 2009
I’m very happy to be rid of him, but I also have to feel a little sorry for Jeff. The Mets is just about the worst team for him to land on especially with their new pitcher friendly ballpark. He really needed to go somewhere like Houston or Boston where he could hit a lot of pop fly homeruns. Assuming Minaya isn’t fired at season’s end, I predict Jeff will be back in New York next season but won’t show any improvement over what he’s done the last year and a half. And yes he’ll likely end up playing for Kansas City or Washington where former members of Braves front office have sway.
redwards95 - July 11, 2009
Ironic...
That this he’s more likely to end up there.
VivaLosBravos - July 11, 2009
i'm thinking Texas would be smart to sign him...
they do have a history of turning other people’s shit into gold.
apoxonbothyourhouses - July 11, 2009
...they do?
Are you talking about Kevin Millwood? Or Chan Ho Park? Or maybe Salty? Maybe you meant Chris shelton!
MichaelProcton - July 11, 2009
Huh?
Chris Shelton plays for the Mariners…
RainDelay - July 12, 2009
He was in Texas last year.
And he sucked after he OPSed 801 in DET the year before.
MichaelProcton - July 13, 2009
In the back of Frenchy’s mind right now: “Damn it, Jeff!!! You should have stuck with the QB thing.”
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 11, 2009
Free Safety
jeg - July 11, 2009
Corner Back.
apoxonbothyourhouses - July 11, 2009
http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/020702/cle_MPS-5180.000.shtml
http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Jeff_Francoeur
http://florida.scout.com/2/19048.html
Free Safety
jeg - July 12, 2009
From the last article...
Francoeur, 6-4 and 205 pounds, plays free safety, cornerback and wide receiver. So everybody get along, you were both right.
MichaelProcton - July 13, 2009
TV pitchman
redwards95 - July 11, 2009
I can't imagine him being good on the football field either
I’m sorry, people drool all over his athleticism but he is not quick. He may have a fantastic top speed but it takes him so long to reach that top speed that in any sport, it’s probably pretty useless.
was385 - July 11, 2009
Maybe he'd be a good middle-distance runner?
MichaelProcton - July 11, 2009
Terrible Trade
30 Vs. 25………Church is what he is. Frenchy will go on to be a 5 time all star.
JaeSlim - July 11, 2009
Yeah, and I fucked Jessica Biel and Megan Fox last night… at the same time.
timmy3 - July 11, 2009
No you didn't.
Because I was with Megan all night.
VivaLosBravos - July 11, 2009
And I was with Jessica.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 11, 2009
And I was with you.
Gage23 - July 11, 2009
haha
bwellnjonesco - July 11, 2009
You’re on to something, dude. Go to Vegas and put all your chips on Frenchy, son.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 11, 2009
I guess only time will tell, easy for you guys to say now…….but lets see where they are in 5 years
JaeSlim - July 11, 2009
I’m not going to buy a ‘87 Chrysler not because I’m wondering how it will be doing in 5 years, but because I know it’s…..had it’s day.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 11, 2009
Church is the ‘87…..Frenchy is the 09’
your just flat wrong, AAA would have made much more sense right now, especially with Infante coming back soon.
JaeSlim - July 11, 2009
Maybe you’re right, man. I’m just glad I’m a Braves fan right now, and pity the fool that thinks Frenchy will “turn it around” in freaking New York.
It just sounds harsh because it’s the internet, and I like Frenchy, btw. But I know how it’s going to play out.
I’m just curious, and I know it has nothing to do with anything, but I have 2 questions:
1. How old are you?
2. Have you been watching Jeff play the last few seasons?
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 11, 2009
but you’re right about one thing, with Frenchy out of the picture and Omar coming back soon, it’s like Christmas morning around here.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 11, 2009
How about an '05 that's been in the shop for years after it ran great the first couple months?
MichaelProcton - July 11, 2009
Well, given Frenchy’s regression over the past 3 years, I’d say that in 5 years he will be out of baseball entirely.
justincredubil02 - July 11, 2009
This guy is either a troll or Omar Minaya himself and I don’t think Omar knows how to use a computer.
VictorW - July 11, 2009
lol. ; ))
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 11, 2009
hahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!
Heyward is the next crime dog - July 11, 2009
"Church is what he is"
but Frenchy is apparently someone other than Frenchy.
You may have a future in the Met’s FO
VivaLosBravos - July 11, 2009
I’m with Victor. With that quote, handle, and profile pic, it might really be Minaya.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 11, 2009
God, your sig is stupendous!
MichaelProcton - July 11, 2009
Church is what he is, which is probably the ceiling for Frenchy.
dlkinser86 - July 11, 2009
Yeah...
Andy Marte will too.
MichaelProcton - July 11, 2009
Hanson sent down and Valdez called up?
ccarr25 - July 11, 2009
Hanson wouldn’t start again til after the break anyway. It’s a puff piece. And Gonzo needs to re-group.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 11, 2009
It’s just to give us an additional reliever while Hanson will be back in time to make his next turn.
timmy3 - July 11, 2009
Yeah, that’s what I thought. Hopefully we won’t need any relievers tonight.
ccarr25 - July 11, 2009
I can’t believe it, how stupid is Omar Minaya? He talks about Frenchy being able to everyday, but when a player plays below replacement level, the more he plays, the worse off your team will be.
MatM - July 11, 2009
It's the Mutts, dude
David “Eyebrows” Wright is the face of their freaking team. That statement speaks for itself. I would describe his batting stance as, “gay porn actor.”
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 11, 2009
haha. hes only got 5 homers
Heyward is the next crime dog - July 11, 2009
Youkilis
has that copyrighted.
VivaLosBravos - July 11, 2009
lmao. "waaaaaaaaay better play"
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 11, 2009
Damn thats the funniest thing I've heard in a while
gay porn star
Jaxon - July 21, 2009
Frenchy's arm is good
maybe he can pull of a reverse Rick Ankiel and become a pitcher. Since he hits like one already.
Cracker! - July 11, 2009
I officially suggested that 3 months ago.
Bronn - July 11, 2009
I even used the phrase “Reverse Ankiel.”
Bronn - July 11, 2009
wow, I swear I hadn't seen it
or was aware of this site that long ago. Kudos
Cracker! - July 12, 2009
Church has an .804 road OPS this year.
I can’t even get over how much of a steal this is. Getting him out of that park and that locker room should do wonders for Church, I just have this gut feeling we’re getting a good ballplayer.
This guy was set to have a really, really good year last year but got derailed by the concussions. I think Church will be a pleasant surprise for us in the second half.
timmy3 - July 11, 2009
Fanhouse is wrong...
About Jeff’s .308 being the lowest EVER by a corner OF with over 2500 PAs.
Craig Monroe has a .301 OBP with 2,900+ PA, and with 82% of his games as a corner outfielder…
Cory Snyder has a .291 OBP with 3933 PA, and with 83% of his games coming as a corner OF.
Those are just two guys I thought of, I’m sure there’s more. When I saw them claim that I was like 95% sure they were wrong.
timmy3 - July 11, 2009
Well...
100% of Frenchy’s PAs were as a corner OF. How do the numbers stack up?
FineHamAbounds - July 11, 2009
Last year...
I calculated that by at least one standard, Jeffy had the worst season of any outfielder in the 140-odd-year history of the Braves organization. And he’s just gotten worse.
Mac T - July 11, 2009
It’s weird seeing Frenchy in blue and orange. I’m watching the game.
Gage23 - July 11, 2009
Ha the Mets are hitting in the five spot. Thats like putting a child in charge of a MLB organisation, sort of Omar Minaya.
ccarr25 - July 11, 2009
We've mentioned before that he hits really well #4...
Blind confidence in the guy couldn’t make him any worse, could it?
MichaelProcton - July 13, 2009
sorry,
organisationccarr25 - July 11, 2009
organization
ccarr25 - July 11, 2009
3rd time’s the charm
zzzzzzz
Chief Noc-A-Homa - July 11, 2009
Jeff F
you people are stupid. the wrong person left the team. that idiot cox should have left. he has batted jeff out of position for years. look what happen to clint barmes at colorado after they fired that manager and moved barmes up from 8thto 2nd in the order. he’s on fire. cox was jealous of jeff because he was more popular and did him no favors. watch jeff go as a met. i’ll be back to say i told you so.
1956 - July 12, 2009
Will you come back to say you were wrong if things don’t play out like you say?
NCChopper - July 12, 2009
Right...
…and I’m the friggin pope..
RainDelay - July 12, 2009
Don't call people names
It’s just not very nice.
Francoeur for the most part was pretty set in at the 5-6 hole with McCann for the vast part of his Braves career. Obviously, with no chance of him getting 3-4 due to the Chipper-Andruw/Teixeira tandem, the 5-6 hole was what he was going to be left with. And that’s still a pretty decent slot, because he was expected to protect the #4 or McCann, which to me, is a position of trusting and expectations saved for those with potential to deliver big hits.
It wasn’t until he began his free-falling in 2008 did Bobby Cox begin to shuffle him around into the lower part of the order, AA, or the bench, and even all of those were done a little too late.
It’s not like a whole lot is different right now – Francoeur batted a familiar 5th in his first game with the Mets. And that’s very likely to fluctuate upon the return of some of their big bats. I’d quickly hypothesize something along the lines of Beltran 3, Delgado 4, Wright 5, Sheffield 6, which puts Francoeur at 7, where sure he’d be expected to protect Sheff, but can his fragile psyche wrap around that notion instead of the number 7?
royhobbs - July 12, 2009
...so where should he have been hitting, exactly?
He’s sucked at 5, 6, and 7 over the last two years.
MichaelProcton - July 13, 2009
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