Looking for a groove

"I'd like to give people a sense about how it's sometimes tough to be away from home"
I am going to Iraq during the holidays. It must be great playing a sport you love as a child. I hope to make it to a game in Atlanta this summer before I leave in September.

well said. GO BRAVES!!!

Congrats on the marriage! Im glad your wife went to Miami and that you could have some fun. That was a great game you had the other day, 7 RBIs wow!! It has been a slow start to the season for the team, but that was a huge game!
I meet you and Brain last year at the hotel bar at the Cleveland Marriott. I had your jersey on and you bought me a bear, and then you signed the jersey right on my back. It was a great day, thank you so much for that It made my year. I have the jersey framed in my sports room now. Good luck this year!!

Well said, Jeff. I've definitely noticed the difference in intensity levels between the home games and away games. On our site, we've been discussing how, at times, it seems that the team is playing only to the level of the teams that they are facing instead of up to their full potential. I know you guys'll snap out of it and get it going; just hopefully sooner than later.

-Jonathan
http://www.BravesBlast.com

You guys aren't in bad shape by any means yet, but with pitching getting a tad thin the bats are gonna need to get going consistently. I like hearing that you're having fun though.

Jeff,

Thanks for keeping us updated on the players and the game. We're excited to see your blogging!

Seth Cox
Montgomery, AL
http://www.allbraves.com
http://www.skipcaray.com

First of all, thank you for posting this blog. It will give us fans some real insight as to what is going with our favorite team, the Braves, from a player's perspective.

I met you and Brian at Fan Fest, you both made my day. I was celebrating my birthday and meeting you both, just made it that more special.

I am looking forward to reading more of your blogs as the season goes on. You guys will turn this ship around and when everyone gets going and returns from the DL, the Braves will be a team no one will want to play.

Good Luck on a successfull 08 season Jeff.

www.Tomahawk-Talk.com

Wow, Great blog Mr. Francoeur. I am excited about getting to read the articles posted here :)

http://tomahawknation.b1.jcink.com/index.php
www.tomahawk-nation.blogspot.com

Hey Frenchie. this wuz a great idea, man. thanks alot! its really cool to kind of get a behind the scences aspect of things sometimes. i know one of ur old parkview coaches, Kevin Renz. I played for him in his homeschool league with the Barons. Anyway, thanks for this blog. Can't wait to hear from you again. and of course were pullin' 4 u guys :p

Hello Frenchy! I can't wait to read about the goings on both on the field and on your mind. As others have mentioned before me, thank you for including the fans into the 'clubhouse', so to speak. :o) I root for you guys rain or shine and I, too, hope to talk/read about a pennant race in the months to come. My love to all of you and, of course, the Skipper!!

Hey Jeff - Thanks for the info! We are from Valdosta, GA & we are coming this weekend to see you guys beat the Dodgers - even though I don't know if I can handle seeing Andruw in that uniform. Also I heard you said you hated Valdosta??? Hope thats not true - you have alot of fans down here! Take care & lets get on a long winning streak started tonight! GO BRAVES!!!!

Hey I know you guys are looking for your groove, I hope you guys hit it soon. What is the mood like in the club house with all of these 1 run losses?

I used to live in Valdosta, great place!!! I lived in a little neighborhood called Summerville off of Stud Still road.

http://tomahawknation.b1.jcink.com

Dear Jeff,

I think this blog is a great idea, and will look forward to reading it as you update it. My wife and I are huge Braves fans and look forward to each game. My daughter will watch the games too, up until her bedtime.

Thanks for playing so hard and maybe 15 years from now we will be talking about you breaking the Ironman streak.

Isn't it true, the harder you look for a groove, the harder it is to find?!

Jeff- Looking forward to seeing more from you.I,m a life long Braves fan and I live in Arizona.I don't get the chance to see you guys play on TBS anymore and have to listen to ballgames on my computer.Best of luck to you and the boys.Don't press to hard kid.You can always roll off 23 of 27 games in June.(wink wink)

Oh, wow! This is great to hear the real scoop from a player. Thanks for taking the time to do this, I wish more of the Braves would do the same. I'm a fan throught thick and thin, have been all my life thanks to my grandpa then my mom, and I've spawned two fans myself AND converted my husband into a baseball fan! You guys will turn it around this year. Tough news on Pete tonight. I met him at Fanfest and became a fan of his then. If he has the surgery he will probably come back better than ever...and if his last outing is any indication, that's going to be pretty darn good!
-Susan

Hello Jeff,
I was so excited to find your blog tonight. I'm watching the game right now with the fish and hoping Smoltz can get four more! Wouldn't that be something. I only live 30 minutes from Cooperstown so I'll go down for his induction! I'm sure you guys will find the groove. It seems like you always do. I know the last couple of season seemed to be different, but we watch how you play, we see your heart, and we know that you are all doing what you can...it is just about the groove. You'll get in it. Everyone up here can't seem to shut up about the Mets, but you handled them fine! I'll be at Shea at some point this year to see you beat them up.

Thank you Jeff for doing this blog. It is really nice to be able to communicate with you and to show our support for you personally. It's one thing to wear a Braves jersey to Shea and get cussed at, but to tell you personally on your blog that we are for you no matter what, that is different. We appreciate the opportunity.

Take care, keep your chin up, stay healthy, and GO BRAVES.

See you at Shea!
Kevin

I live in Virginia and have been to all 4 games the Braves have played in Washington this season, (Jeff, my little sister and I used to cheer for you at every game at RFK in right field and you threw us a couple of balls. Thanks so much!). Even though they've gotten off to a slow start, I left every game with a great feeling about this team. On the occasion where they've been able to put pitching and hitting together (when Smoltzie pitches, it seems) they look unbeatable. Hudson has been terrific, and except for the injury in Washington, Glavine's been great, too. But even when they've lost, they've never been out of it and put together great rallies. Jeff is completely right. Once everything clicks, this team will be everything that they as players and we as fans know they can be. We're just waiting for that one big hit and that one big out that can change a game. I have no doubt they'll get it soon. Go Braves!

This is great! I am watching the game and jumped online to check on Glav. Worried about Smoltz now. It is great to have young talent (you are working on veteran status lol) like you and Mac on the team. I know the Braves can come back. I have been watching from little Mtn Home, Idaho since I was 9 which is back to 1981. Loved you guys then and love you now. I could go on and on.....Go Braves!

I have been keeping up with the Braves since they won the World Series in 1957 and then have been following the Braves on cable television since 1978 when they started showing them on our cable system. Congratulations on the 7 RBI game the other day. Hope we can get some of the injured players back really soon.

Andrew

I like it Jeff, I like it. Now when you guys get home lets start a winning streak! And dont forget about us season ticket holders right behind you up in section 433, toss us a ball! haha I KNOW YOU CAN!! =-)

Frenchy,

Thanks for the update, I follow you guys every day thanks to mlb.tv. It's great to see you out there giving 110% every day. I'll be at the series when you guys are in Cincinnati, wearing my classic Francoeur jersey!!!! Keep up the hard work and I'll be yelling at you in Cincy. Keep an eye out for me. GO BRAVES!!!!

-Eric

Hey, Francoeur, I'm probably the biggest Braves' fan you'll see up here in the New York-New Jersey area. My dad and I both love the Braves and are die-hard fans. It's new to see the team get off to a "slow" start but as everyone has said, I'm sure you guys will get through it like you always do and hopefully we'll win another World Series this year. Our pitching staff has a lot of depth and a lot of experience and the offense is unbelievable. The injury to Moylan will hurt the bullpen, but hopefully everyone will step up and we'll have a successful season. Thanks for the blog, it allows us, fans, to see what you go through. Good luck this year. Bring one home for us!

Dear Jeff:
Thanks for opening this blog, it is a fantastic idea to be in touch with you and other Braves fans.
Yes, the team is having a very difficult season start with all of the pitcher's injuries, reason why te offense has to step on and manufacture more runs to win the games. The one-run losses has to be converted in one run wins and to achieve that the Team depend in your own performance as a key player in this line-up.
Now you are a more mature player but still has to work very hard in your patient at home plate and hit the oposite field, for the rest you are a great player and a great addition to this ball club. I wish you the best and a brilliant carreer (Ihope you always be a Brave).
Thanks again , Nelson.

Awesome idea to blog! I am a fourth generation Braves fan (my great grandfather followed the Boston Braves). My children (late teens, early 20s) have been spoiled by the Braves run. Gone are the days when I was in college at Ga Tech...and once you got in the gate, you could "pick a seat"

162 games...and always a great journey.... for me and my family... You guys are great on and off the field. It is wonderful, as a parent, to have so many good role models in one place.
The "In my own words" series that many of the players have done are inspiring!

God bless...and safe travel to the team... and thanks (to the Braves) for all the memories ...THIS IS GOING TO BE THE YEAR!!

Hi Jeff, and thanks for doing this blog. It's great to be able to get some insight on the team from one of my current favorite players. With the current run of injuries to both starters and relievers, are you and the other players feeling any pressure to produce more offensively in order to help the team get into a groove?

Good luck on the upcoming homestand!
-Kim

I appreciate the way you do not shy away from talking about your faith. THANK YOU for being the type of athlete I can talk about to the kids in my church! I pray that you'll continue to let your walk with Christ remain the priority in your life.

I loved the "Spotlight" program and the strong emphasis on family you have. I pray you and Katie continue that type of home as you establish yours! Congrats on the wedding!

Jeff,
Do not worry, the Braves nation is behide all of you. At the beginning of the we all believe this is the year. Sorry to hear about Pete Moylan, but the bats are coming alive. I have been watching he Braves since I was 4 years old and I believe this is goning to be a good year. Remember have fun and pay ball.

Mike B.

Thank God for this blog. And thank God for Jeff Rancouerer.
http://azdiamondhacks.mlblogs.com/

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to let us fans know what goes on behind the scenes. I'm glad you guys pulled a big win tonight, and right when it was needed. Hope to hear from you soon and good luck this season, Jeff.

- Leah
http://catchersblog.com

Hi Jeff we followed you the last 2 years you were in Myrtle Beach and you were so very kind to my grandaughter. We took a picture of you holding her and it is priceless to us. She had wanted you to catch a fly out and give her the ball but you got injured and were out for several weeks with the jaw injury so needless to say she never got her ball. She tells her little friends about meeting you and you are famous now, you really made a big impression on her! Keep up the good work and congrats on your marriage.

Great idea for the blog Jeff, thanks. Just weather this storm and as long as you guys continue to stress smart baseball the wins will come. The great thing about baseball is there's always another at bat or another game.

this is a great idea jeff.. we really appreciate you taking the time out to do something like this.. its really cool.. good luck on the season..

I think yall will snap out of this funk. We will really know your up and running when we start winning some of these close one run games. Hopefully, when Mike Gonzales and Hampton(if he ever takes the mound) will give us those extra wins to makeup our three games back. We need another division title this year. Just to let you know, I just got the MLB2k8 game and the first game I played my friend with the braves and you went 7-7 with 4 homers. Not bad!!!!

Good Luck this season! I think the Braves look good and that you guys have the elements to go far this year. Wish you all the best.

Frechy, Thank you for taking a few minutes to do this for all of your loyal fans. I'm an Atlanta native living in Chicago and it's tough not being able to watch you guys on TBS this year. I'm still going to watch all the games on the computer and cheer you on. I really admire the class you've shown in dealing with your contract situation this season. I'm sure it's difficult, and all I can say is keep your head up and hopefully the Braves will make it right for you next year so you can spend your entire career in Atlanta. Now, you guys get on the right side of these 1 run games and I'll see you in June at Wrigley. I be the one wearing #7!!

Congrats to you and your bride on your marriage. I live in Southern Illinois and was born and raised a Braves fan. I make sure I get to a couple games a season when you play St. Louis (my husband's a fan)...but my goal this year is to make it to Turner Field. It's a shame your games are no longer on TBS, but I've learned to do without a couple things in order to get the MLBxtra innings package...now I can watch every single game! Thank you for setting this up, it's great to hear from you personally and also get to see all the Braves fans across the country...we're everywhere! I have a feeling this season is going to be a great one. You have all the right tools to succeed...great players, great pitching (welcome back Glavine!), and a great managing staff. This is only the beginning, here's to a great season.

Alright Frenchy!

Know that all the fans are behind you guys, and we know what the Braves can really do! I know the bats will become hot soon (Like last nights 8-0 SHO of FL) and things will right themselves soon.

Here's looking to your 2008 WS Champs!

GO BRAVES!

Jeff,

I want to thank you for being a role model on and off the field. I like knowing that there are players like yourself that I don't feel uncomfortable with my son admiring. Jacob is 4 and guess who he wants to be....YOU! (and Smoltz, if he's pretending to be a pitcher). You are to Jacob who Murphy was to me...Thanks so much!

Pump the guys up!!!!! Keep up the great work. We all love to watch you play.

David Morrison
morrisondavid77@yahoo.com

I think this is a great thing you are doing it really gives us a chance to relate to you. You guys will find your grove before you know it. Were watching no matter what cause braves fans are real fans. I am glad my son can grow up watching players like you and McCann.
Thanks,
Raven Whitehead

Great blog, Jeff. You're right, it's too early to panic just yet, but I am hoping that Smoltzie can last and not hurt gimself further, and I'm also hoping that Hampton and Soriano can come back and be effective as well. On a side note, I know that my old high school, the Lowndes High Vikings played Parkview a few times, and those were some great games. Go get 'em tonight, Frenchy!!

Hey Jeff,

Why not spend some time on your off day learning to not pull off the ball? I dont know how you get by pulling off outside pitches and off-speed stuff? Your hips clear out early on everything and it looks as if you are trying to overcompensate by keeping your head in but its not working....Does Terry work with you on that or have they taken the approach not to mess with you? If you could stay closed longer and cover the outside and off-speed stuff you could hit well over .300 and still have power.....the muscle you added to get back to 30 homers is fine, but not at the expense of the hole in your swing.....unless someone screws up, you are making yourself pretty easy pickens for any guy that can hit his spots!

Hey Mr. Francour,
I am 12 years old and am a huge Braves fan. The reason I'm commenting is not about what I just read but about my blog, www.baseballproonline.com. It is new and I have had no one visit it. My uncle said i shoul dget other bloggers to link to my site. of course you don't have to, but it would be nice if you could visit it and leave a comment. If you like it could you link to it or even mention it in your next post. My name is tyler dysart and my Email addres is Dysart10@gmail.com.
thank you so much,
Tyler Dysart
75 buck trail Social Sircle Ga

Wow, it was good watching you guys knock it out of the park!!!

http://braveselite.co.nr

I'm curious, what are your personal goals for the season? I mean I know the goal for the team is to win the world series, but I'm curious as to what you want to do to be able to help the team?

Thanks for being a person that young people can look up to. You and McCann are really their favorites! In the off season you spoke at the Riverdogs Annual Hot Stove Banquet and kindly allowed a friend to take your photo with his son.
http://bravesandstuff.wordpress.com/our-own-candid-cameras/chrisklobs-photos/

You made such an impression! God's blessings on you and your beautiful wife! We're all pulling for you both on the field and off!

Hello Mr. Francoeur. I think this is great way to comminicate with the fans. I have been a Braves fan since I was a kid and endured some of the hardtimes of the 80's. It's good too see the Braves continue the rich history of the farm system with the likes of yourself, McCann, Escobar and the other guys. I know you were a Smoltz fan growing up just like I was a Murphy, Horner and Zane Smith fan when I was a kid. I just wish "The Murph" could haved enjoyed the great run of the 90's like Smoltz and the rest of them. It looks like we got a shot to win the pennant if not the World Series this year if everyone stays healthy eventhough the team is of to slow start but it is still early. Good luck the rest of the season.

The demands on your time is great ... that you are participating the the MLB blogging program is truly appreciated!

Sometimes I think you fellows try a bit too hard but it's always a pleasure to watch nice young men strive to make their mark and having fun in the process ... even better when they're as talented as you. I've been a fan of Atlanta baseball as well as the Braves for over 60 years, attending my first Cracker game in 1946, methinks ... and it's always been a thrill!

Chicks may dig the long ball but you're an old married man now ... good defense, besting the pitcher, and hitting them where they ain't ... wins more games ... more exciting too!

We all hope you fellows bring home the trophy but regardless of the outcome, that you fellows give it your all and never give up makes you winners ... the enthusiasm and effort you bring to the table is something extra special ... don't lose it!

Thanks again for sharing!

Bob

Yo Frenchy! :)
I've been following baseball just about since you started playing for the braves (not long). I went to school in athens, and also in atlanta(we got obliterated by parkview in football games! thanks to you, im sure), so i feel like you guys are close to me, and not just some faraway superstar sellouts...not saying that all baseball players are, of course.

You are hot, and I think you're going to stay hot this season. Its nice to see your mechanics are so solid, and your confidence is impressive, especially on the first pitch, even though critics might say you make bad calls sometimes. you aren't just one of the best clutch hitters in the league by sheer luck!

I'm looking forward to the progression of this blog..im far away from the atl, and i miss it very much. i know that the fact that you feel the same way means something to all of us who are away from home. can't wait to see you play this afternoon. Your biggest fan
S.

Well, duh, I was just thinking Frenchy is going to comment here every couple of weeks but I seriously doubt he'll be able to read -or respond to - any of these messages. But this is still a great place to see the players point of view and also to interact with other fans.

Sometimes it seems the players with their big paychecks and all have it easy but it must be tough to be traveling so much and being under so much pressure in the public eye. I've often wondered what it must be like to do the most mundane task like going to Home Depot and not being able to get your stuff done, or eat a meal out, or whatever, without being hounded for autographs and pictures. It will be good to hear what they've been up to and be able to feel the pulse of the team through this blog.
-Susan

Hey Jeff~
Greetings from Wisconsin~
Congrads on the win today!!
Thanks for doing this blog, what a great idea~
I've been a Braves fan since the very late 80's, so I've seen the many up's and down's of the team.
Love your team spirit and talent in right field, as well as your strength at the plate! My last favorite right fielder was David Justice, so you have some very big shoes to fill.
I wish you and the Braves the Best of Luck in 2008.
You'll be in Milwaukee at the end of May.... wish I could make one of those games but it doesn't look like I can~
Looking forward to many blogs from you in the future~
Thanks for being a Brave~ Play Smart and Stay Healthy!!!
GO BRAVES!!!!
Lynn

hey eveveryone las vegas loves the braves. go team. if we can get the good hitting and the good pitching lined up on the same page, everthing will be fine. just like the last 3 games. i just love when the braves beat the dodgers. hope no one else gets hurt this year.

Thanks for bloggin Frenchy! I am watching up in Charlotte and cannot wait to see what you guys do this year!! Keep that football like intensity going and try not to tackle anymore fishy first basemen!

Congratulations on your recent marriage. I have a good feeling about this year. Even though the start is not as good in the win column as last year. It is not how you start, but how you finish. I watch every game, either live or recorded. I would have to say that I am a super fan of the Braves. I regret that I live five hours from Atlanta. I would love to get to more games, but I get to a few every year. Thanks for starting this forum. I will look forward to reading it this year.

Thanks so much Jeff for the opportunity to hear about the day in and outs of my FAVORITE TEAM!! This is awesome! This is exactly why you are one of the best in the game………caring about the Fans is important and you realize that because you ARE also a fan of the game! I love watching you, McCann and the others play ball because it is so evident that you love the Game of Baseball and you are living a dream!

I think we have found the groove! The team has been playing great these last 3 games! Now if we can just get everyone healthy! I hope you will be with the Braves for a long, long time….but I will be rooting for you wherever you are!!

Thanks so much Jeff for the opportunity to hear about the day in and outs of my FAVORITE TEAM!! This is awesome! This is exactly why you are one of the best in the game………caring about the Fans is important and you realize that because you ARE also a fan of the game! I love watching you, McCann and the others play ball because it is so evident that you love the Game of Baseball and you are living a dream!

I think we have found the groove! The team has been playing great these last 3 games! Now if we can just get everyone healthy! I hope you will be with the Braves for a long, long time….but I will be rooting for you wherever you are!!

Frenchy , Thanks for the bloging you are on a team of class players, I have been really sick past 2 years the Braves have always and more so the past 2 seasons helped me .You guys are all fine 1st class players and I wish all of you good success this 2008 season.

Many Thanks , Mark/Decatur, Ga.

Jeff,
Its been fun watching you the last couple of years. I read somewhere about your involvement in Fellowship for Christian Athletes and I just wanted you to know it was very encouraging to me. It must be difficult to stay involved with as busy of a schedule as baseball keeps you on but keep it up man cause you really are encouraging a lot of believers. Thanks,
Jordan

First of all, nice job on the double today. Second, it's been fun to have a gold glove caliber RF'er with the best arm in the league on our team. I'm not gonna lie, I wish you slapped the ball more though lol. But that aside, I hope you improve your hitting ability soon.
Now for the cheap plug.
I encourage you and any other knowledgeable baseball person to join braves-nation.com.

http://braveselite.co.nr

http://braveselite.wordpress.com

Great sweep by the Braves! First time at home since 2000!

I'm in the FCA as well. I love it :)

Congrats on the 4 game winning streak and sweeping the series with the Dodgers. It seems as this weather has warmed up so haven't your bats.

Frenchy, did that team meeting that Bobby called on Thursday night have anything to do with what is happening now.

I hope that we get to watch #7 in RF for a very long time. It is good to see you in the lineup every day and you and the younger players enjoy playing the game.

I have been watching the Braves since 1991 and try to attend 2 or 3 games a yr. Since you and McCann came up a couple of yrs ago, you two have become my favorite players. Just keep up the good work and stay healthy.

Your parents did an outstanding job with you, I just wanted you to know that.

http://forums.tomahawk-talk.com/index/

Good game today Frenchy, those two doubles really proved your gettin your swing back. Ever since you have joined the Braves you have been my favorite player, i even got you on both my fanatasy teams and start you. Oh and that throw today to first, while spinnig after you caught that ball was insane. Well goodluck against Washington.

It's great that you have this blog. It will be fun to follow along. Chances are you won't even read this, but in watching you guys against Santana earlier in the year I noticed that with runners on he was using his slide step when he would throw the changup and using the traditional leg kick on all other pitches. I know you guys watch a lot of film and I haven't seen him pitch a lot, but if no one's mentioned it before it may be something you guys may want to go back and take a look at on film throughout his career and see if it is a trend for him. As good as he is any little thing like that can help, and I want you guys to beat the Mets (and especially Santana) every time you face them. Keep the swing on track and good luck the rest of the season.

Hello Mr. Francoeur,
I dont know if you even read these comments( I dont blame you, ther are so many) but i was wondering if you could check out my blog at www.baseballproonline.com. if you like it could you lleave a comment or add it to your links if you really like. My name is Tyler Dysart and i live in covington. i am 12 years old and have nobody coming to my blog, so mabey i could get some of your readers to check it out.
Thanks,
Tyler Dysart
P.S. I saw the Braves whip the Dodgers Sunday

Jeff, i love the way you play the game. Keep up the good work and please, please don't leave the Braves!!

Hey Jeff. I just found this blog and it is awesome to read about what you guys are thinking and knowing how you all feel. The team is on a roll right now and I hope ya stay hot! I just wanted to tell you that my 8-year old son loves you. He plays ball and is a switch hitter (at 8) and plays shortstop. You are his favorite brave and we watch you every night when we get home from practice or a game. I wanted to let you know we appreciate your effort on the field and the way you carry yourself off the field. Thanks and Go Braves!!!!!!!!!

Charles Reed
Tifton, Georgia

Well put Jeff, and it seems ya'll have found that groove as you have won the finale against the Marlins, swept the Dodgers and took the opener from the Nats. Keep up the great play and by the way nice assist last night, you have a cannon, take it easy and GO BRAVES!
Nick Macheca
Hammond, Louisiana

Very well put Jeff, I look forward to following this blog all season. Congrats on the 5 straight you guys have won hope you all can continue to ride this hot streak. Can't wait to get back to Turner Field May 4th and 26th, it's one of the few things thats worth driving 4 hours for. Take care and GO BRAVES!!!

Clay Chason
Cairo, GA

See you tonight, Jeff. Hopefully you guys will score some early runs so Smoltz can get # 3000 early!

GO BRAVES!

Jeff,

This is such a great thing that you are doing, I am a die hard braves fan but unfortunetly i dont get to watch you guys play as much as i would like because you are not on TBS anymore. I live in Springfield MA so its a little tough to catch games. I think that you guys will do great things this year, i think the team is great and you are unbelievable. When do you think other players will learn to not run on you anymore? I am looking forward to the season, and i really hope that you guys can bring back that world series trophy! I am hoping to fly down to Atlanta and watch you guys play this year! Thanks for doing this once again, i am looking forward to more posts by you. Good luck this year.

Thanks
John

We're still Braves fans in Colorado and caught the first game of the series at Coors Field - it was cold! Thanks for coming out and taking time for autographs - my 2 boys, 5 & 8 were so excited to get their baseballs autographed by you. TP obliged as well. Look forward to seeing the Braves back in the Postseason this year!

This was an awesome idea Jeff! I'll be coming to see u and your teammates play at Turner Field sometime this year. I haven't met u or Brian in person yet but I would like to. I have a good feeling u and the team will go big this year. Your awesome dude!!! Have a good year.

First off I want to thank you for taking time to let the fans in on wants going on behind-the-scenes. It is greatly appreciated. I guess you guys found that groove that you were looking for with the five game win streak, despite the loss tonight. I, and the rest of the Braves nation have much faith in you and the team. I also want to thank you for being humble enough to write a blog to the fans. I have been a Braves fan since I was 7 years old (23 yrs old now); watching them from Augusta, GA and making that first-to-worst run of the '90 to '91 season I think it was. Growing up watching Smoltzie pitch has always been thrilling as well as seeing amazing new talent come in such as yourself. I moved to Va. Beach and didn't get to see many Braves games at Turner Field, but when I came back for a game, it happened to be the night you hit your walk-off grand slam against the Nats! I was at spring taining this year and I'll be at the series in DC at the end of April and also at the end of July wearing a bright red Frenchy jersey in Philly! Congrats to Smoltz hitting (and passing) 3,000 K's benchmark. All you guys are ridiculously amazing to watch. Good luck to you and you're career and to the rest of the team!
-Aaron

I can't imagine being away from my wife for as long as you have to. Me and my wife were married just about a year ago, and because she was Catholic, we had to go on some retreat thing. Anyways, while there, I ended up rooming with a guy named James May, a big offensive-lineman-type guy who just finished law school at the University of South Carolina. He told me some good stories (possibly fabricated) about you - just wondering if you knew him - or read these comments.

The team will be fine this year. Just keep being a positive, high-energy influence in the locker room. And sign an extension already, I don't want you on a different team.

Great game tonight Frenchy! Love how the offense seems to be settling into a groove before heading to beat up on the Mets!!

Frenchy,

It's tough having a nagging injury like like the one you're currently dealing with your foot/ankle region. I sure Chipper and Hampton have some advice on what to do with nagging injuries. On a different note, the homer production isn't what you thought it would be yet, but you're still hovering around the .300 mark you set your sights on last year (and nearly finished with). That has definitely kept your team close in tight games when your not striking out and swinging wildly at bad pitches that you first did when you came up to the majors in 2005. I still think the team (and you) can live up to the expectations that you have set for yourself. Your 11-11 (as of April 25th) and within striking distance of the Mets, Phillies, and Marlins. With the inconsistencies of all 3 teams in front of you, I believe that the return of Glavine, Hampton, and Mike Gonzalez and Omar Infante coming off the disabled list your team will get the push it needs in the coming weeks. You are a very savvy player and know what it takes now to be successful as a major league player. Keep the energy level in the clubhouse high and do your best on the field. If Smoltz can deal with his ailing shoulder and pitch every fourth day and Chipper can handle his aching quad muscle, I know you will muster the strength to battle the lower ankle/foot problems you're encountering and become of the cornerstone and rock of that team. All hail the chop...
~Shawn Wingate Maumee, OH

Hey Jeff,

Enjoyed this entry. Still wish we could have seen you bring the lumber at safety for us at Clemson, but it's been awesome getting to see you and McCann play for the Bravos. Good luck against the Mets tonight.

Alan J.
Clemson '05

Frenchy,
that weekend series with the Metropolitans could've gone either way. With a healthy Chipper and Yunel Escobar in the lineup things might have gone a little differently. I've got my fingers crossed that Smoltzie's shoulder/neck region is nothing more than the pains of a 42-year old trying to pitch lights out for a 3rd consecutive start only to realize he needs to tame it down so he can last the entire season. The same could be said of Huddy. I'm really nervous about Huddy. It's not like him to only be able to go 3 innings in 2 of his last 3 starts. The guy is physically in peak shape and he is a workhorse. If he goes down the starting pitching may not recover. I believe the hitting is still there. You went 2 for 4 on Sunday and maintained the clubhouse leadership this team needs. There is a lot of veteran experience on this ball club but so many players now on this club either were not apart of the title run or have forgotten what it was like to win 14 consecutive division titles. Keep them focused as May looms. Tex is starting to heat up and that will help if Chipper can't stay healthy. Gonzo wants to get in that bullpen as quickly as he can and he may do so 2 weeks ahead of schedule...I believe Manny Acosta is doing a remarkable job as the impromptu closer seeing as how 2 of your most consistent and reliable relievers went down in a span of 2 weeks of each other. Let's pray that the elbow problems Soriano is experiencing are nothing more than the early season kinks that some relievers go through. Let's bring the lumber for the series with the Nationals. You guys can't let 1 or 2 games get away from this cellar team. The Phillies and Mets won't let you forget it if you do...
Shawn Wingate, Maumee, OH

I have no doubt you guys will find that groove. In another week or so everywhere you play should have nice warm basball weather, and hopefully some of the nagging injuries will be a thing of the past.

Thanks for giving us ATL fans something great to cheer for!

Hey Frenchy,
No Worries. I am confident the boys and you will pick it up. The fact that you are still in the thick of it with key relievers on the DL, and now Smoltzie, shows the commitment and dedication this team has to succeeding. It's early yet, and I know we have a great shot of winning the division with everyone healthy. Just keep playing like you do, and the wins will be there. Also know, that you will have two crazy fans in Philly with a J'adore Francoeur Sign, just like last year. Look forward to you beating the Phils, and everyone else in the NL East!

Tom and Elyse
West Chester, Pa

The injuries sure aren't helping this team. You have a strong team if you could all be healthy! You guys tend to have a slow April and start to pick it up somewhere in May. No need to worry, yet.

Jeff,
Thanks for blogging for us. I am a lifelong Braves fan and a big
Frenchy fan . I am thrilled my team has such a wonderful, talented player who is such a good role model. I enjoyed the Spotlight show and found your relationship with your parents to be awesome. You are very blessed. I am also following your marriage to Catie, and I hope she is up for the challenge of being wed to a pro baseball player. Best of luck to you this season!
Melanie

Dear Jeff,
I'm 15 and a big fan of you and the braves. Its been a bad april and I now you guys can turn it around. I hope Smoltz can get back in there and picth like he always has. I have been to three of your games and they were all at turner field and I got to see you hit two home runs in one game on July 27th or 28th in 2005. I hope you guys have a good month of may til next time. Daniel Hardy, Clinton, Ky

Hi Jeff,

I wonder if you remember McAlester OK and my house. I have a big sign on my Golf Cart that says Jeff Francouer and Brian McCann rode here. I got to see you play in St. Louis last year and I see you on TV everytime that you are on. Congratulations, on the wedding. Tell Brian I said hello and good luck to both of you.

Sincerely,
John Freeman
McAlester. Ok.

Hey Jeff,

I'm a 19-year-old girl, and unlike most of the others who are holding "Will You Marry Me?" signs, I'm the girl who keeps a running tab of your stats and have watched you go through the minors (Nothing against you, I'm just sure you and your wife are very happy hah) . I was always a fan, and part of me wanted to stop liking you after you got to the majors because EVERYONE loved you. Haha I hated feeling like part of a bandwagon when I had always pulled for you. Anyway, I've resigned to being unable to stop loving to watch you play. I think you're doing great this year and you're always a blast to watch at the park. Right now I'm working incredibly hard to be a sports reporter and my dream is to get to actually interview you guys in the locker-room one day. I just got the position of sports editor for Appalachian State University's newspaper, The Appalachian, and I'm the first girl to ever have the job. It's all thanks to the Braves, and in part to you. My love of sports has gotten me this far for sure, but my love of sports comes from my love of the Braves. So keep an eye out, maybe one day you'll have a fan as an interviewer, but until then thanks for the clubhouse glimpses, got to love it!

Ashley Davis
Sports Editor
The Appalachian
theapp.appstate.edu

Hey Jeff!!
I am a huge Braves fan!!! I have been watching ya'l for 2 years now, but that's okay since I'm only 14. You guys opened my eyes to baseball, and now it's all I ever talk about. Since I'm a girl, yes, I have a crush on you, but that's life isn't it? ;) You, Brian, and Mark are my favortie players, and I'm sure you guys will get out of your rut and into your groove in no time, you guys are amazing. Tell the guys I said hi!!! GOOD LUCK this season!!

Erin
chocoholic4594@yahoo.com

Just wanted to pop in to say thanks for giving the fans a players view of things and to let you guys know that the fans are behind you guys 110%.

PS: Get that extension done already! =P

Lets take it to the Reds tonight and turn this thing around. I feel good about smotzie coming back as a reliever. We have all the pieces, we just have to get them all working together. Let's do this! ...oh and keep watching for them to try and get you to chase first pitch balls.

It seems to me that something is missing this year...besides Andrew...that fantastic spark I'm used to seeing seems to be somewhere else Let's hope we find it soon.

Hi Jeff,
You're going to make a bunch of fans by doing this blog. I've been a fan for 22 years and I'm 30 now. Win or lose I'll always be a Braves Fan. I live in Delaware and enjoy watching you guys play when you're in Philly. That place is crazy now. It's definitely not a place to take your kids to watch a baseball game like in Atlanta. I remember when you could go to Veterans Stadium and there would be more Braves fans than Phillies fans. Hopefully by us Braves fans being in Philly will help you guys feel a little more at home when you are here and hear us Braves fans cheering for you. When you here a bunch of ruckus in the stands it's probably because us Braves fans are taking a bunch of crap for cheering for our Beloved Braves. It's well worth it! Go Braves.

It was good seening you and Katie in Brillion in January. See you at Miller Park at the end of May. Been watching the box scores and hopefully you and the Brewers can get hot.
Shorty and Katie

I have no doubt in my mind that THE Atlanta Braves will succeed. Yes, there will be bumps as usual, but those bumps are challenges we must face in order to get stronger and be more on point. I root when we're up by 5 or down by 5 ... either way I know this will be a great season! I LOVE YOU ALL! =)
~Amanda~

When you miss your wife and things get tough on the road, remember that verse that you wear on your batting glove:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

May 7th.... 4 game win streak. Great work.

Jordan

I have seen many players come ang go with the braves many of them started out hitting less than 200. But I have never seen anyone with the ability that you have. Once you get to where you are thinking about making your short game like singles and double you will become one of the best hitters in the game. Your power is there and you know it. but your short game needs work.
I have always wanted to come to a game but I have never been able to afford it. I have had to raise 11 children, 4 of my own and 7 others that I took in off the streets.There for I have never been able to keep the money to make the trip or buy the tickets. I am 54 years old now and I suffer from
colon cancer so I doult I will ever be able to spend the money for tickets. However players like you that are a joy to watch has made things a little easy in making it threw the day.
Keep playing and getting better I am sure that you are headed for the hall of fame. I hope to see it.

Is it true that Alan Butts is your personal hitting instructor?

yo whats up jeff just wanna let u kno that im 18 and ive been a huge fan since i could walk before back when u just watched the braves play 2 and im used 2 seeing the team win so not winning the division these last 2 years was a total heart breaker 4 me so can u guys stay on this role youve been on because i watch every game and i hate losing. and i was just wondering is chipper human cuz hes absolutly rediculous. lets go i have confidence in u guys lets keep up the good work and win 100 games this year like we did in the 90s

Hey Jeff! : ) I just wanna say you are AWESOME! Ima 24 Year old female and ive been watching yall since i dont even know when! The Team is doing so good this year, just keep it up! : ) Congratulations on spending time with your wife! But ill have to admit i have a little secret.. im a little bit jealous!! ;) Shes a VERY lucky woman! I know its hard getting through the long games but look at it this way, your doing something you love.. :) Just know you have alot of fans behind yall every game!

Tiffany From Andalusia, Alabama!

Do you know what's awsome about this team? Why are the Braves so dang cool? Well, think about it. They are the only team who, while winning at home, their fans will actually sing to them. Its more of a chant, but also, there's a chop. You look up in the stands and hear that drum in the distance as it starts to beat. Forty thousand arms raise up in unison and start to swing as their voices grow as one. The other teams feels it. The pitcher on the mound, he fears it. It doesn't matter what Brave comes to the plate in that instant. He feels it too. It is his pulse, and it locks him in! You are right Jeff, sometimes on the road there may only be five thousand fans, it is hard to keep up the intensity. But although we're not always with you guys, we're always with you guys; TV man! You're our boys and the Phillies and Mets may talk all they like. This year's team is amazing, so keep feeling the pulse rise, this year is worth every last ounce of intensity. Lets get something done!

playing like u have been l'd say the braves r ready to start up that division title streak again only this lets smash our own record as always im behind u 4ever

Jeff,

First time to read your blog (or any blog for that matter). Keep up the good work in the field, at the plate, and on the blog.
I know it sucks being away from your family. We do not appreciate what we have until we no longer have it. However, it makes the time we spend with our families much more valuable.

Respectfully,
Q.

P.S. Do you think you could talk to Bobby into getting thrown out