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NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Benjamin Grimm Jul 22 2010 08:51 AM

Francoeur trade may be in the works By MIKE PUMA Last Updated: 8:59 AM, July 22, 2010 Posted: 4:20 AM, July 22, 2010 PHOENIX -- Jeff Francoeur's days in a Mets uniform could be numbered. According to an industry source, the team is trying to trade the right fielder, and could have a deal in place by the time the Mets finish their series in Los Angeles this weekend. Francoeur would welcome a trade, according to a person friendly with the right fielder, if it gave him a chance to play every day. Francoeur's playing time has been diminished with Carlos Beltran's return from the disabled list. Angel Pagan has assumed the starting right-field duties, with Francoeur coming off the bench for the first time in his career. If Francoeur still is with the team on Sunday, he likely would start against Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw, who yesterday appealed a five-game suspension for intentionally throwing at San Francisco's Aaron Rowand Tuesday night. But manager Jerry Manuel likely will give Beltran a day off before then, giving Francoeur an opportunity to start. Full article

metirish Jul 22 2010 08:58 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Any guesses as to where he might go?

Benjamin Grimm Jul 22 2010 09:01 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

There's one blogger, a former Expos beat writer, who's speculating that Francouer and Mejia might go to Houston for Oswalt. But it didn't seem like anything more than pure speculation.

The Second Spitter Jul 22 2010 09:09 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

metirish wrote: Any guesses as to where he might go? Somewhere where there's a surplus reliever.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 22 2010 09:27 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Benjamin Grimm wrote: There's one blogger, a former Expos beat writer, who's speculating that Francouer and Mejia might go to Houston for Oswalt. But it didn't seem like anything more than pure speculation. My first thought upon reading the "report" was "NFW." Second thought? "Well... maybe Wade." That said... this seems a little dopey for him, even. For Captain Wifebeater (when offered with, say, a sub-Mejia/-Flores prospect or two)? That I can see.

Edgy DC Jul 22 2010 09:32 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

i'd find it surprising, considering Mejia hasn't pitched in almost a month.

attgig Jul 22 2010 09:32 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Who would actually want him? He's not going to get offered arbi by whatever team who takes him, so he's essentially a rental player. who has a shot to get to the playoffs, and needs an OF'er? The only teams who really need a RF bat or a DH would be... Rays (maybe platoon with aybar?) Whitesox (Andruw Jones has cooled off a LOT) who else?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 22 2010 09:33 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

mfy's coulduse a righthanded bat. I'll take vasquez thank you

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 22 2010 09:35 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Who would actually want him? He's not going to get offered arbi by whatever team who takes him, so he's essentially a rental player. who has a shot to get to the playoffs, and needs an OF'er? More to the point: who needs this outfielder? Players a lot more desirable than him (and Ollie... and possibly TAFKAThrob) have been DFAed and released all year long.

Edgy DC Jul 22 2010 09:39 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

He was having a worse time of it when the Mets traded for him last year. A team that has a hole to fill, a player to move, and is curious perhaps about whether he's a worthwhile project for someobdy might want him. I don't get the cynicism. Unimpressive players get traded all the time. The Mets moved Rey Sanchez. REY SANCHEZ!

metirish Jul 22 2010 09:44 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Did they move Sanchez because of his hitting or his hair cutting?

Edgy DC Jul 22 2010 09:48 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

I think they moved him because you don't get too many chances at a talent like Kenny Kelly.

The Second Spitter Jul 22 2010 09:50 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

They also traded the other ss called "Rey" that I don't like naming, and at the time he had a pretty hideous contract.

batmagadanleadoff Jul 22 2010 09:51 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Who would actually want him? He's not going to get offered arbi by whatever team who takes him, so he's essentially a rental player. who has a shot to get to the playoffs, and needs an OF'er? More to the point: who needs this outfielder? Players a lot more desirable than him (and Ollie... and possibly TAFKAThrob) have been DFAed and released all year long. Exactly. Before I read through this thread, and was made aware of the possibility that Francoeur might merely be one player in a multi-player trade, I thought to myself: Who the hell would be dumb enough to want him and more importantly, what kind of useless crap would we get in return?

Ashie62 Jul 22 2010 10:01 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Can they trade Jason Bay instead? Yes, I am only joking.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 22 2010 10:11 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

` Edgy DC wrote: He was having a worse time of it when the Mets traded for him last year. A team that has a hole to fill, a player to move, and is curious perhaps about whether he's a worthwhile project for someobdy might want him. I don't get the cynicism. Unimpressive players get traded all the time. The Mets moved Rey Sanchez. REY SANCHEZ! Because Frenchy's older now than he used to be. Because every GM in the league only has to hit Google to see how many times (already!) he's been the subject of turning-over-a-new-leaf stories, every year, sometimes twice a year... only to eventually regress even further in his approach. Because even his gifts-- the stuff that stayed with him through the plate selection problems-- are fading. Because there's a difference between being kind and nice and decent... and actually being coachable. Because player valuation is better in virtually every front office in the league than it used to be, by leaps and bounds. Because Omar-- who's far from an idiot, and doesn't do a poor job with many aspects of the GMing-- is so far from the class of his field, simply because his notion of player valuation is off. Because he doesn't play catcher or shortstop or second. Because so many others can play right field better. Because he actually seems to be getting slightly worse. Because paying in trade/money for a player of his caliber is a fool's errand.

Edgy DC Jul 22 2010 10:21 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Or, it's a move of a player that you have to shed also. Sean Gallagher got traded. Kevin Cash got traded. Maybe he'll get released, maybe traded. But things happen.

Frayed Knot Jul 22 2010 10:29 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Benjamin Grimm wrote: There's one blogger, a former Expos beat writer, who's speculating that Francouer and Mejia might go to Houston for Oswalt. But it didn't seem like anything more than pure speculation. Everything I've heard/read over the last month has Houston asking for a lot in return for Oswalt - like several top prospects - and now Oswalt apparently wants his 2012 option picked up before he'll agree to waive his NT clause. IOW, I think this blogger is doing nothing more than just matching up names that are "out there" even as it's starting to look less and less likely that Oswalt is even going to be dealt.

Edgy DC Jul 22 2010 10:30 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Because there's a difference between being kind and nice and decent... and actually being coachable. Do you really think I said or implied anything about his decency. Come on already. Sean Gallagher got traded. Kevin Cash got traded. Maybe he'll get released, maybe traded. But things happen. That's the crux of my argument. Things happen.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 22 2010 10:34 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Edgy DC wrote: Because there's a difference between being kind and nice and decent... and actually being coachable. Do you really think I said or implied anything about his decency. Come on already. Didn't say you did. Just meant that for all his decency-- and I'll stipulate that he appears to be one of the more standup guys to pass through these parts in years-- he's proven stunningly intractable regarding bad baseball habits, which doesn't bode well for the prospects of any future corrective steps. Sean Gallagher got traded. Kevin Cash got traded. Maybe he'll get released, maybe traded. But things happen. That's the crux of my argument. Things happen. This is true. I think, though, that it's probably going to be a release, if anything.

batmagadanleadoff Jul 22 2010 10:36 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works" Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 22 2010 10:39 AM

The numbers are butt-ugly. Among regular NL right-fielders, Francouer is dead last in HR's, BB's, BA, OBP, SLG, RC, RC/27, ISOP, SECA , BB/K and AB per HR. Jeff Francoeur swings like Dave Kingman, but with none of Sky King's power. Francoeur is the least likeliest everyday NL right fielder to hit a homer.

Edgy DC Jul 22 2010 10:37 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Oooh, I dub-posted.

metirish Jul 22 2010 10:40 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

And to think I predicted he would make the All-Star Team .

Benjamin Grimm Jul 22 2010 10:42 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Frayed Knot wrote: Everything I've heard/read over the last month has Houston asking for a lot in return for Oswalt - like several top prospects - and now Oswalt apparently wants his 2012 option picked up before he'll agree to waive his NT clause. True, but it's possible that Oswalt's demand may reduce his trade value. (Depends on how determined the Astros are to trade him.)

batmagadanleadoff Jul 22 2010 10:42 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

batmagadanleadoff wrote: The numbers are butt-ugly. Among regular NL right-fielders, Francouer is dead last in HR's, BB's, BA, OBP, SLG, RC, RC/27, ISOP, SECA , BB/K and AB per HR. Jeff Francoeur swings like Dave Kingman, but with none of Sky King's power. Francoeur is the least likeliest everyday NL right fielder to hit a homer. Ironically, Francouer's AB per HR rate surpasses those of his outfielding teammates, Bay and Pagan.

Edgy DC Jul 22 2010 10:49 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Yeah, at this point we need not compare him to starting rightfielders, but to scrubs, weenies, waiver fodder, sad sacks, and nerf herders.

batmagadanleadoff Jul 22 2010 10:56 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Edgy DC wrote: Yeah, at this point we need not compare him to starting rightfielders, but to scrubs, weenies, waiver fodder, sad sacks, and nerf herders. You're right. It's too bad though, that the Mets gave him 300+ plate appearances squeezed into half a season before pulling his plug.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 22 2010 11:35 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Hey, look. I know you snarkazoids will focus on the PT he did get, but if you asked me whether I thought the Mets would have the stones to bench Francoeur given all he done for them as a spokesman and their marketing of him, I'd have said, not in a million years.

duan Jul 22 2010 11:41 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

he's got a career .826 ops against lefties (.787 this season) and is really really suited to helping a team who could use a lefty killing 4th OF. actually if you look at the yankees where granderson struggle's against lefties are verging on the epic you'd get a very good fit. Gardner to centre, Frenchy in against a lefty would be a .220 ops upgrade. of course if we could just stick with the program and start him instead of pagan against lefties or occassinally to give carlos a rest, it'd be fine.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 22 2010 11:47 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

.826 against lefties-- and an OBP-light .826 at that-- is a number that's more "lefty-poker-with-a-dull-stick" than "lefty-killer".

Ceetar Jul 22 2010 11:57 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

btw, Mike Francesa is implying Frenchy is demanding to be traded.

metirish Jul 22 2010 12:04 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Ceetar wrote: btw, Mike Francesa is implying Frenchy is demanding to be traded. I know everything

Ceetar Jul 22 2010 12:05 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

metirish wrote: Ceetar wrote: btw, Mike Francesa is implying Frenchy is demanding to be traded. I know everything I believe he was spouting off about things the Wilpons told him too.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 22 2010 12:11 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

There's facts... and then there's Francesa Facts.

metirish Jul 22 2010 12:30 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: There's facts... and then there's Francesa Facts. SHUT UP LARRY, i'M GOING TO FART DOWN THE PHONE AT YOU

Zvon Jul 22 2010 01:11 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Well, I'm reading Frenchy is "okay" with (not demanding) a trade. Course he is. He see's the writing on the wall. And he prefers playing. If we can't get what we need through dealing him, I think he should stay. If he continues to have at-bats that are worthy of a little league player with no patience or wisdom, he becomes the dull tool many think he is. If someone says he already is that dull tool, I can't argue. His at-bats most times cringe worthy. He is what he is. He could be better if he can be patient, make sure his at bats are more like the way they were at the seasons start. Will he? It don't look like it. I like his spirit and energy, attitude, PR persona. I like a supporting role player (as opposed to say a David Wright, or any upper echelon player) that can deal on that level the way Francoeur does. But sadly that won't even buy him one of C.C.'s energy drinks. And now he is a supporting role player. I still think him in right field in a close game can make a game changing difference. And I think Bay should be seeing more downtime until we see something up from him, and that gets Frenchy more PT. Is his arm alone enough to keep him? I'd like to be able to afford that. Don't think we can :( But if we can improve the team, and I mean improve it by getting what we need, not just swap parts, I'll salute French and see him off. And if Omar can do that, and I'll be very impressed if he can (as with Perez), then of course he should. If they release him I will be very surprised.

Edgy DC Jul 22 2010 01:25 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

His situation certainly isn't comparable to Perez's.

Zvon Jul 22 2010 04:23 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Then go out and get a player(s) for what you think Frenchy and Perez ought to be worth. Lemme know what they get ya. I'd release Perez before I'd release Francoeur.

Vince Coleman Firecracker Jul 23 2010 07:36 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Jeff Francoeur: Selfish Malcontent: “If there was an opportunity to play more somewhere else, that would be great,” Francoeur told the Daily News. “I love it here, but if they decide to go in a different direction, I would be happy to play somewhere else where there is more playing time.” A couple of things: 1. I don't really care what players say in interviews and I suspect that, by and large, things like "clubhouse chemistry" are inventions created by the media covering a team so reporters can shoe-horn events into pre-defined narratives that have little or no effect on the on-field performance of a team, which is almost entirely determined by talent and chance. I really, really doubt Francouer's quote(s) (or anyone's, really) will have any effect on the performance of the team, so it's really not that important what he says or thinks. 2. That said, there are certain players that would be absolutely crucified in the sports media for saying something like this. I suspect Francoeur will be treated more sympathetically than, say, Gary Sheffield or Oliver Perez, despite his history of whining to reporters when he doesn't get his way. New York Sports Media: I challenge you to be nonsensically reactionary to all players, instead of piling on a few pariahs. (Alternatively, you could take this opportunity to start a new era of sports journalism, in which cooler heads prevail over demagogues and stories are presented with nuance, reason and intelligence. I'll hold my breath for that) 3. Again, not that it really has much (or any) bearing on the team's performance, but if I were Jeff Francoeur, instead of bitching about playing time to reporters, I'd go ahead and shut the fuck up, because I've been absolutely awful this year (and for a good portion of my career). Carlos Beltran has been pretty bad since coming off the DL, but he still has a higher wOBA than me. And there's good reason to believe he'll improve before I will. Of course, Francoeur is not paid to properly evaluate his value, he's paid to play baseball. So, while he's (apparently) really bad at doing both these things, he (correctly, perhaps) sees no need to try to evaluate himself properly. I get this, but I don't get this. Maybe this is just the difference between how professional athletes and us regular shlubs are wired, but I can't see going through life without being self-aware. When I've worked at jobs I've stunk at, I knew it. Hell, when I played sports I stunk at, I knew it. Francoeur, apparently, doesn't know he stinks. Which, I guess, might be a survival tool pro athletes need, although one could argue knowing your weaknesses could lead to improved performances. Anyway, this is a longer post than I intended. No moeur Francoeur, etc, except that he could actually help the team as a pinch hitter/occasional starter vs. lefties. So I hope, despite his comments, he plays well in his new role, or the Mets get a somewhat useful part in return for him.

Ceetar Jul 23 2010 07:44 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

I think it's a survival tool. Even Pujols makes out more often than not, but if he went up to the plate in key situations thinking "I probably won't get a hit here" it probably wouldn't be a good thing. Players live at bat to at bat. But as an overall evaluation, one AB tells you just about nothing about a players value. Frenchy knows he's not as good as anyone else in the OF, but he also goes into each AB knowing what he needs to do.

batmagadanleadoff Jul 23 2010 09:26 AM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Jeff Francouer's combined OBP for the last three seasons (2008-2010) is under .300.

duan Jul 23 2010 12:39 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

duan wrote: he's got a career .826 ops against lefties (.787 this season) and is really really suited to helping a team who could use a lefty killing 4th OF. actually if you look at the yankees where granderson struggle's against lefties are verging on the epic you'd get a very good fit. Gardner to centre, Frenchy in against a lefty would be a .220 ops upgrade. of course if we could just stick with the program and start him instead of pagan against lefties or occassinally to give carlos a rest, it'd be fine. don't get me wrong; i'm not saying he's perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but the question is probably are we better eating the money and bringing up feliciano or trying to make the best use of him that's possible.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 23 2010 12:41 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

I don't think Francoeur's presence as a fourth outfielder is hurting the team. But, if he can be dealt for a decent AAA player who's a marginal prospect, there wouldn't be much harm in doing that, either.

Vic Sage Jul 23 2010 01:12 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Jeff Francoeur: Selfish Malcontent: “If there was an opportunity to play more somewhere else, that would be great,” Francoeur told the Daily News. “I love it here, but if they decide to go in a different direction, I would be happy to play somewhere else where there is more playing time.” A couple of things: 1. I don't really care what players say in interviews and I suspect that, by and large, things like "clubhouse chemistry" are inventions created by the media covering a team so reporters can shoe-horn events into pre-defined narratives that have little or no effect on the on-field performance of a team, which is almost entirely determined by talent and chance. I really, really doubt Francouer's quote(s) (or anyone's, really) will have any effect on the performance of the team, so it's really not that important what he says or thinks. 2. That said, there are certain players that would be absolutely crucified in the sports media for saying something like this. I suspect Francoeur will be treated more sympathetically than, say, Gary Sheffield or Oliver Perez, despite his history of whining to reporters when he doesn't get his way. New York Sports Media: I challenge you to be nonsensically reactionary to all players, instead of piling on a few pariahs. (Alternatively, you could take this opportunity to start a new era of sports journalism, in which cooler heads prevail over demagogues and stories are presented with nuance, reason and intelligence. I'll hold my breath for that) 3. Again, not that it really has much (or any) bearing on the team's performance, but if I were Jeff Francoeur, instead of bitching about playing time to reporters, I'd go ahead and shut the fuck up, because I've been absolutely awful this year (and for a good portion of my career). Carlos Beltran has been pretty bad since coming off the DL, but he still has a higher wOBA than me. And there's good reason to believe he'll improve before I will. Of course, Francoeur is not paid to properly evaluate his value, he's paid to play baseball. So, while he's (apparently) really bad at doing both these things, he (correctly, perhaps) sees no need to try to evaluate himself properly. I get this, but I don't get this. Maybe this is just the difference between how professional athletes and us regular shlubs are wired, but I can't see going through life without being self-aware. When I've worked at jobs I've stunk at, I knew it. Hell, when I played sports I stunk at, I knew it. Francoeur, apparently, doesn't know he stinks. Which, I guess, might be a survival tool pro athletes need, although one could argue knowing your weaknesses could lead to improved performances. Anyway, this is a longer post than I intended. No moeur Francoeur, etc, except that he could actually help the team as a pinch hitter/occasional starter vs. lefties. So I hope, despite his comments, he plays well in his new role, or the Mets get a somewhat useful part in return for him. THIS. DITTO. But agonizing about the 4th OFer and the backup middle IFer on a team plunging into an abyss is really rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic. Unless Bay and Beltran start hitting like Bay and Beltran are supposed to hit, and unless Pelfrey and F-Rod get their heads out of their asses, this is all so peripheral as to be beneath notice.

Ceetar Jul 23 2010 01:16 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Vic Sage wrote: agonizing about the 4th OFer and the backup middle IFer on a team plunging into an abyss is really rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic. Unless Bay and Beltran start hitting like Bay and Beltran are supposed to hit, and unless Pelfrey and F-Rod get their heads out of their asses, this is all so peripheral as to be beneath notice. I disagree. Obviously those guys are going to have to hit. But when they do have to hit already having taken care of improving at C, or 4th OF, or Manager is only adding value. It's not going to be the difference between winning and losing if Pelfrey gives up 8 runs, but when Pelfrey gets back on track and gives up 2, it might be the difference between scoring 2 and scoring 3. Afterall, if the people in charge got the Titantic back on course, wouldn't you want to be able to sit on those deck chairs?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 23 2010 02:41 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

Okay, Shhhhhh! SHHHHHHH! All right, all right, everyone shut up. And turn around if you can't keep a straight face until we get things done. MLBTR wrote: The Royals 'like' Jeff Francoeur, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (via Twitter). The Mets would like to trade Francoeur, and Royals GM Dayton Moore was in the Braves front office when the right-fielder made a name for himself in Atlanta, so the Mets and Royals could become trade partners. About $2MM remains on Francoeur's salary, and that's an obstacle for the Royals, according to Rosenthal. Nobody get smart and ask for Greinke, or you'll ruin it. Kila Kaahue? Gordon? Aviles, even? These... may work.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 23 2010 02:46 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

If the $2 million is an obstacle for the Royals, why would they bother trading for Francoeur? He'll likely get even more than that next year from arbitration, and since the Royals aren't contending, there's no need to "rent" him.

Edgy DC Jul 23 2010 02:56 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

They can take him for a test-drive, and if they like, non-tender him and sign him below the arbitration rate.

batmagadanleadoff Jul 23 2010 03:15 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works" Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 23 2010 03:31 PM

Jeff Francoeur: Selfish Malcontent: “If there was an opportunity to play more somewhere else, that would be great,” Francoeur told the Daily News. “I love it here, but if they decide to go in a different direction, I would be happy to play somewhere else where there is more playing time.” A couple of things: 1. I don't really care what players say in interviews and I suspect that, by and large, things like "clubhouse chemistry" are inventions created by the media covering a team so reporters can shoe-horn events into pre-defined narratives that have little or no effect on the on-field performance of a team, which is almost entirely determined by talent and chance. I really, really doubt Francouer's quote(s) (or anyone's, really) will have any effect on the performance of the team, so it's really not that important what he says or thinks. 2. That said, there are certain players that would be absolutely crucified in the sports media for saying something like this. I suspect Francoeur will be treated more sympathetically than, say, Gary Sheffield or Oliver Perez, despite his history of whining to reporters when he doesn't get his way. New York Sports Media: I challenge you to be nonsensically reactionary to all players, instead of piling on a few pariahs. (Alternatively, you could take this opportunity to start a new era of sports journalism, in which cooler heads prevail over demagogues and stories are presented with nuance, reason and intelligence. I'll hold my breath for that) 3. Again, not that it really has much (or any) bearing on the team's performance, but if I were Jeff Francoeur, instead of bitching about playing time to reporters, I'd go ahead and shut the fuck up, because I've been absolutely awful this year (and for a good portion of my career). Carlos Beltran has been pretty bad since coming off the DL, but he still has a higher wOBA than me. And there's good reason to believe he'll improve before I will. Of course, Francoeur is not paid to properly evaluate his value, he's paid to play baseball. So, while he's (apparently) really bad at doing both these things, he (correctly, perhaps) sees no need to try to evaluate himself properly. I get this, but I don't get this. Maybe this is just the difference between how professional athletes and us regular shlubs are wired, but I can't see going through life without being self-aware. When I've worked at jobs I've stunk at, I knew it. Hell, when I played sports I stunk at, I knew it. Francoeur, apparently, doesn't know he stinks. Which, I guess, might be a survival tool pro athletes need, although one could argue knowing your weaknesses could lead to improved performances. Anyway, this is a longer post than I intended. No moeur Francoeur, etc, except that he could actually help the team as a pinch hitter/occasional starter vs. lefties. So I hope, despite his comments, he plays well in his new role, or the Mets get a somewhat useful part in return for him. THIS. DITTO. I enjoyed Firecracker's post too, because Francoeur is one of the two 2010 Mets that I hate on a personal level. As a rule of thumb, I generally harbor strong resentments towards players who receive disproportionately positive press in relation to their less than stellar on the field accomplishments. I often wonder whether these players have questionable social personalities and deliberately and consciously manipulate the press in order to generate the unjustified rave reviews that they garner. Sometimes I'm proven wrong -- other times, I have no idea whether I'm right or wrong and admit to myself that I'm going on personal hunches. In Francoeur's case, I've convinced myself that he's a pathological liar, a player that's been pampered and coddled for so long -- like most professional athletes -- that he believes that the press will take for granted anything he says, no matter how idiotic or false or how easily refutable the statement happens to be. I've heard enough of these comments from Frenchy, and all the time gauging his accompanying tone of voice and facial expressions and the surrounding context, that I believe that there's no way even he can possibly believe the truth of what he says. That's all I really wanna say here. Nothing else. I'm not gonna go into the details or share what it is that makes me feel the way I do about Frenchy lest we have another sort of World War that typically erupts after this kind of post. I just can't stand him is all.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 23 2010 03:24 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

I would line up to slam the door shut after he leaves, and I think that's harsh, dude.

batmagadanleadoff Jul 23 2010 03:30 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

So's Frenchy's OBP.

Ceetar Jul 23 2010 04:00 PM Re: NY Post says "Francoeur trade may be in the works"

batmagadanleadoff wrote: I enjoyed Firecracker's post too, because Francoeur is one of the two 2010 Mets that I hate on a personal level. As a rule of thumb, I generally harbor strong resentments towards players who receive disproportionately positive press in relation to their less than stellar on the field accomplishments. I often wonder whether these players have questionable social personalities and deliberately and consciously manipulate the press in order to generate the unjustified rave reviews that they garner. Sometimes I'm proven wrong -- other times, I have no idea whether I'm right or wrong and admit to myself that I'm going on personal hunches. In Francoeur's case, I've convinced myself that he's a pathological liar, a player that's been pampered and coddled for so long -- like most professional athletes -- that he believes that the press will take for granted anything he says, no matter how idiotic or false or how easily refutable the statement happens to be. I've heard enough of these comments from Frenchy, and all the time gauging his accompanying tone of voice and facial expressions and the surrounding context, that I believe that there's no way even he can possibly believe the truth of what he says That's all I really wanna say here. Nothing else. I'm not gonna go into the details or share what it is that makes me feel the way I do about Frenchy lest we have another sort of World War that typically erupts after this kind of post. I just can't stand him is all. You mean there IS way he'd pay more than $50 a month for his phone bill?