Four years ago a phenomenal young Atlantan worked his way onto the Atlanta Braves' roster.
The wedding and honeymoon went wonderfully for Jeff Francouer and his hometown ballclub. But unfortunately for both parties, things went sour fast in 2008.
Last season, Francoeur was booed loudly. This was after being a fan favorite since his MLB debut, in which he hit a three-run home run and quickly vaulted himself into the starting lineup.
Francoeur was sent down to Double-A Mississippi for a stint after being completely ineffective for much of the season's first half.
"Frenchy," as his teammates call him, finished last season with a .239 average, 11 HR, and 71 RBI. Those numbers are devastating when you consider that 2008 was supposed to be his breakout campaign.
The Braves' 2009 turnaround depends on the strong right fielder. His bat is much needed, as he's the only true right-handed run-producer in the lineup.
Early this spring, Francoeur looked like he was trying way too hard yet again. Going 3-for-20 in his first plate appearances, it looked like he was still sleepwalking on the field.
But in his last three games, he has turned it around. He's 6-for-8 and has yet to strike out this spring.
If the Braves can count on Frenchy this season, you could see a much improved Atlanta team in 2009.
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