Note: Jerry Manuel likes Jeff Francoeur
In 64 games with the Mets this season, Jeff Francoeur is batting .314 with a .342 OBP, seven HR and 34 RBI.
Following Saturday’s game, I wrote:
“Jerry Manuel explained to WFAN that Francoeur will require surgery on the ligament in his hand, because, while he can play, he runs the risk of being out ‘for an extended period of time,’ should he do something, like slide funny, and do additional damage.
If this is the case, why is he playing?”
…it really is confusing… unless, the Mets are trying to see as much of frenchy, in an effort to better determine where he fits in for 2010…
This past weekend, Jerry Manuel told reporters he has been impressed with Francoeur, saying, “He’s been a welcome addition.”
According to Manuel, “Francoeur should be a good piece moving forward.”
…he swings at more or less every pitch thrown to him, it seems… but, he puts the ball in play, and he usually does it with authority… so, if he’s batting sixth, and the rest of the lineup is in tact, his free-swinging style can work… he also plays a strong defense… he’s not the best defensive right fielder in the league, like Omar Minaya suggested in July, but he’s very, very good, and he has a serious arm, which is a huge benefit in that pinball-like gap in Citi Field… he also brings a positive, yet aggressive attitude to the clubhouse, and that should not be ignored by people who only notice his weak OBP…
For more on Francoeur, check out Sam Page’s post to Amazin Avenue.
Speaking of outfielders…
Mike Axisa of MLB Trade Rumors compares soon-to-be free-agent outfielders Matt Holliday and Jason Bay.
Jon Heyman of SI.com believes Holliday will end up signing a seven-year, $120 million deal, while Bay will sign for five-years and $80 million.
Lastly, in the Chicago Tribune, Phil Rogers says the Rays will look to trade Carl Crawford or B.J. Upton, as they are “sold on OF Desmond Jennings.”
