Scratch Frenchy Off the List
We can narrow down the possible replacements for Andruw Jones a bit more today thanks to a report in the Newnan Times-Herald.
“We need to find someone to play center field, but it won’t be this fellow,” Schuerholz said, referring to Francoeur. “I know that’s something a lot of people have been talking about, but I don’t think we’ll do that.”
Many people have been tossing around the idea of Brandon Jones taking over in right and Francoeur moving to center, the position he came up through the minors at. He probably would have been a fine center fielder, however his arm is much more valuable in right and Brandon Jones’ would have been mediocre at the position. I’d put my money on either Mike Cameron or Brent Lillibridge to have the job out of spring training next year.
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14 Responses to “Scratch Frenchy Off the List”
October 25th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
I’d love to see Lillibridge get a chance but I’m afraid of what will happen if he doesn’t work out. We wouldn’t have a back-up plan in case he didn’t pan out unless we signed someone, and that person probably wouldn’t be very good considering they were brought in to back up a rookie.
I’ve never been a big fan of Mike Cameron but he could be useful if the price is right. We don’t take a huge hit on defense and anything we get offensively out of him would be an upgrade from last year. I just think he’ll command too many $’s and years, with years probably being my main sticking point with Schafer in the wings.
Dangit, Brandon. If you could just play center, the offseason would be soooo much easier!! Oh well.
October 25th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
If he doesn’t work out you just start trying guys out. If they are desperate enough this could still be an option or Gregor Blanco or midway through the season if there is a necessity and Schafer is hitting well, he may find the same path to the majors that Frenchy did.
October 25th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
I just did this same report on my blog. I also read that Jordan Schafer might have a chance to be our CF next season.
October 25th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Will, a question for you. If we end up signing Cameron we will have to give up our First round pick to the Padres right? I think so. Cameron is not worth that, thats for sure.
October 25th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
I wonder what Tampa would take for Baldelli at this point…
October 25th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
I think so though I’m not sure. Elias seems to make this just about as confusing as they can for determining the FA classifications.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
By the way guys, if you haven’t heard, Chad Paronto was placed on waivers and Chris Resop was claimed off waivers from the Angels today. This is all motivated by money because Paronto is eligible for arbitration. Other than that, it is pretty much a non-factor. I think Paronto got unfairly treated after a very impressive start to last season (minus the injury effects) and for lack of better words, Resop sucks.
Unless Schafer hits like .400 in the AFL (and even then maybe not), I just don’t see him starting to begin the year with Lillibridge here. It just doesn’t make much sense to not have him spend at the very least a half year in Mississippi and not rush him to the majors. If Lillibridge can step in and provide some good play in center then I think a good timing for Schafer would be 2009.
October 26th, 2007 at 12:36 am
I agree with giving Lillibridge a shot at it before Schafer only because it would be an easier transition to the majors for Lillibridge as far as dealing with pitchers is concerned. There’s no need to rush Schafer and take a chance on having him struggle at the next level. If Lillibridge doesn’t do well, then the Braves may need to explore that option.
I look at how a couple very young guys (Upton and Maybin) did at the MLB level this year and I think the Tigers made a mistake by bringing Maybin up too soon. He has the tools but he struggled against MLB pitching and his K rate was even worse (he Ks about 1:4 or less ABs in the minors) with the Tigers. That’s something he needed to work on this year before getting the call (IMO). Who knows how that will affect him next year?
I like what the Reds did with Jay Bruce and hopefully the Braves do it with Schafer. They could’ve given him a September call but elected to get him more ABs with Louisville. Of course, him being at Louisville was somewhat of a fluke since it was an injury callup but he stayed there because he continued to rake at that level.
I like Schafer but he’s no Jay Bruce…
October 26th, 2007 at 5:42 am
Gators wear jean shorts! lol sorry had to get that out before tomorrows big game. This news is kind of disapointing. I hope Frenchy would shift to center.and BJ to right. At this point just out Lillibridge in Center and let him bat 250. That wouldnt kill us and would save us 10million over 2 years.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:43 am
If either Schafer or Lillibridge start next year in center I don’t think they’ll wow anyone with their offense right away. Lillibridge is going to take a bit of time with his long swing to adjust to major league pitching so we might see a .260 average or thereabouts for the first year. However he’ll be on base a lot and can probably steal 35+ bases. I’d still take him over Cameron or any of the other legitimate free agent options.
October 26th, 2007 at 10:34 am
I agree, Will, if Lillibridge doesn’t work out you go to Blanco or you find some inexpensive one-year option. I would not mind the Braves getting someone who’s non-tendered (like Cory Sullivan, if the Rox make him available) and who might be a decent fourth OF after Schaefer is ready.
I prefer this to signing Cameron because a) he’ll probably expect at least a 3-year (or 2+ option) deal and b) he may well hit 8th anyway — as would whoever else the Braves put out there next year. $7 mil - $8 mil per year for an 8th place hitter is pretty doggone pricey, especially when you have in-house alternatives who would make close to the minimum.
October 26th, 2007 at 11:37 am
Cory Sullivan would be a solid backup plan, or maybe even let him start this year if he was made available. I think losing a draft pick for Cameron puts his price tag well over the top.
Another option: trade for Coco Crisp who has 2 years left on his deal. You can read about it over at mlbtraderumors.com. He’d be a solid stop-gap player who is relatively inexpensive. Plus he’s an above average defender as well.
October 26th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Zach I agree, I’d like Coco, but too inconsistent with the Bat. I’d be more inclined to a 2 yr deal for Mike Cameron, and replacing him with Jordan Schafer. I do like Coco though.
November 6th, 2007 at 10:21 am
[…] Lots has been pondered about what the Atlanta Braves plan to do with the vacancy in center field now that Andruw Jones will not be resigned. One rumor, of Jeff Franceour moving to center to make room for minor league prospect Brandon Jones has been debunked. […]
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