Recently released outfielder Jeff Francouer has always been a strong performer when beginning with a new team. Francouer will have the opportunity to shine again, as FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported that the San Francisco Giants have picked up the right-handed hitter. The Giants hope the move provides a spark to complete an outfield that already features Gregor Blanco and Hunter Pence. Should history prove itself right, Francouer would not only bring a strong cannon to the outfield, but a sparkplug in the Giants offense.
In his career, when starting with a new ballclub, Francoeur truly impresses. He emerged out of the Braves farm system after being the No. 23 overall pick in the 2002 Amateur Draft. In his first 70 games in 2005, Francoeur made a name for himself as he rumbled his way to 14 home runs and 45 RBI. Francoeur followed that showing to hit 29 home runs with 103 RBIs in his first full season with the Braves in 2006. Then after the league figured him out and he failed to adapt, a minor league stint followed and eventually, the Braves were left with no choice but to trade him.
The Braves shipped him to the New York Mets, where he appeared in 71 games and hit .311 with 10 home runs and 41 RBI. The Mets probably thought they had a steal and found a long term outfielder. When the 2010 season began, Francoeur's surge depleted and he moved on to the Texas Ranger. While in Arlington, Francoeur only played in 15 games, making 56 plate appearances. However, he made the most of it, hitting .357 with two home runs and 11 RBI.
This is when the Royals thought Francoeur was back. With a new home, new role and fresh air Francoeur appeared to have regained his groove. In 2011, his first year with the Royals, he hit .285 with 20 home runs, 87 RBI and 22 stolen bases. They signed him to a three-year, $16 million deal and it was considered a bargain after Francoeur's 2011 season in Kansas City.
Again, however, Francoeur was unable to find consistency, which is why the Royals dumped him on July 5, last Friday, making him available for the Giants, who needed a new bat in their lineup along with a strong arm in the outfield. As of now, the Giants are using Cole Gillespie, who has yet to get a base hit this season and Andres Torres, who has never been considered a home run threat and is more of a one-dimensional player who relies on speed.
The numbers are present to back up his defense, Francoeur had 19 outfield assists in 2011 and 16 in 2012. The league finally figured they should respect him. All of Francoeur's struggles at the plate doesn't mean his arm is going to get weak from one day to the other. Francoeur only has three assists in 2013.
The San Francisco air can provide a change for Francoeur and as his stats show, he enjoys playing with new teams. He is a potential upgrade from what the Giants have now and maybe he can be this year's Marco Scutaro.
As reported by Rosenthal, "The Royals will be responsible for nearly all of the remainder of his $6.75 million salary, with the Giants paying him only a pro-rated portion of the major-league minimum."
