Is this the defining road trip?

Well you will have at least one Georgia fan in the crowd in Chicago. I am leaving in the morning to come and watch the Wednesday and Thursday games, I hate I am missing Tommy pitch tonight :-(
Your fans have faith in you. You are soooooooooo much better than the numbers show. Don't forget you are an excellant team!
I am looking forward to seeing Wrigley Field and ya'll having your best road trip ever!!!

Best wishes from a die-hard fan.

Angeline L.

I have a good feeling about this road trip - sometimes it takes a little adversity (battling through the injuries) to really get a team headed in the right direction. Good luck against the Cubbies tonight!

I'm wishing y'all the best of luck for the road!!! You guys really are doing great...especially considering the setbacks with injuries etc!! Be patient at bat Frenchy and wait for your pitch!!! Y'all wear that pitcher out!!! Be picky.

Love you guys!!

T~

Hey Jeff,
I know the road trips have been hard on you guys, and no one really seems to understand what the problem is. You guys have tons of fans, and we root for you no matter where you play at. Good luck against the Cubs tonight and against the Angels and Rangers later in this road trip. We know you can beat them! I will be at Turner Field on the 20th to see you guys play the Mariners. Hope you have a great road trip and we will see you when you get back home!
~Morgan~

It should be easy for you to strike out. It is simple for You
Jeff, DO NOT SWING AT THE HIGH FASTBALL OR ANYTHING ELSE YOUR WAITING ON, YOU CANNOT HIT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO UP THERE SWINGING AT WHAT YOU KNOW YOU CAN HIT FOR A SINGLE OR A HOMERUN. YOU HAVE THE CABABILITY AND SO DO YOUR TEAMATES, so START DOING WHAT YOU CANDO AND START THE WINNING STREAK ON THE ROAD. tHE g-MAN IS OLD: NEVER PLAYED THE GAME BEFORE BUT I WOULD GET HIM TAKEN OUT. GO BRAVES AND GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the update. :) I think this will indeed be the defining road trip. But I have faith in you and this team. Good luck, and have fun in Chicago!

-Erika

With my brother a die-hard Cubs' fan and surrounded by Philly fans living in Delaware I really need a series win here. Take it a game at a time. It seems to me we're not getting alot of situational hitting. We're leaving too many guys on base. We've got the kind of offense that can go on a 7-2 road trip. Look at the Phillies....their doing it with mirrors.

Seriously Jeff, quit swinging at pitches in the opposite batter's box.

Jeff,

Every game I see you do the same thing. I can see it in your eyes at the plate before you see the first pitch.

I am talking about your approach with runners on base. You swing for the home run every time. Your head is not on the ball and you swing away as hard as you can. You did it again tonight in Chicago. Before the game, you alone left 20 runners on base in the past 4 games. That's crazy!! You are capable of doing better.

Go for the singles and extra base hits, the homeruns will come around.

About 2 weeks ago I was telling my wife how much I liked the Braves' approach at batting this season...not always trying for the home run. The batting averages were up and you were winning games.

Take Chipper for example. He hits what he is pitched and does not always swing for the home run. And his average is over .400. Keep it up Chipper!

It appears that the most of the team is not batting with this same approach lately. Maybe that is why the Braves are losing so many more games lately.

The road game situation is absolutely frustrating as are the 1 run games.

Here is what you do. Get some Braves flags, decals, banners, whatever you can and hang them in the visitor's dugout and locker room and cover the opponents "colors". Get the Braves chant and the players songs on an MP3 player and play it during the game and before batting. Maybe that will help! Stranger things have been done. ;-)

Good luck and go Braves!

As a former right feilder i know what it is like. But lately i have seen a couple of bloop hits that have been hit to you in the outfield and usually there is a man in scoring position when it happens. I know that it is a tough play and you don't want the ball to get by you but i would like to see you dive at some of those balls. Tuesday night there was a runner on first and third with two outs and Mark Derosa was jammed and maybe it is just the TV angle that makes it look this way but i thought that if you would have dove for the ball you could have come up with it. I can't really argue with a gold glove but those are the kinds of plays that if you can come up with it really frustrate a team. It has happened to us all year. We get a rally going and someone makes a tremendous play and it just deflates the teams spirit. Good luck i hope you get the contract you want you sure are fun to watch!

Man I love you dude but you guys gota get it together. I've been a Brave fan for a long time and I always will be and I understand injuries, but the Braves have to over come it. Good luck, I'll see ya in Texas

Jeff, Jeff, Jeff...

You're killing me on my fantasy team, man...

Here's some advice, dude - When you step into the box and the pitcher gets ready to deliver the ball, look through the corner of your right eye at the catcher. If he's standing up, there's a decent chance they're going to throw the ball at your shoulder level. When they do that, try not to swing.

On the other hand, if the catcher is set up so far outside that he can reach into the dugout and grab some sunflower seeds while still in his crouch, the pitch will probably be off the plate, outside. When the catcher is set up that far outside, try not to swing.

Good luck, man.

Jeff,

I have to agree with most recent comments. I'm a braves fan for a long time. You guys have never had more injuries now than ever before. You just have to focus and drive on! I know your coaches get paid well to coach. Someone, either TP or Bobby himself, has to sit you down, if not done yet, and get you to understand your approach to the place is not working. Take a look at how fast your average and production are dropping. You are the key hitter to this offense, as the last couple of years, behind chepper and Tex. You will find the most runners on base than any of them. Come on Jeff, 20 runners stranded? Too many strke outs and ground balls... You have to pick up chipper when he is not in the lineup and Tex when he is struggling. I know you watch tape of your own at bats, right? Then start laying off the high ones and the outside pitches as well. Prime example last night at wrigley, man on first and second one out, the pitcher just walk Kelly, You got the first 2 pitches for ball, why you swing at the next pitch down and outside? I can understand if it is a fastball middle of the plate, but it was not, then you grounded of course for a game ending double play. This is where coaches intervened and change your approach, which has been the same over and over and you now it because I can see your frustrated face heading to right field...Pounding the same way over an over is not going to change anything, something must be change and you should start looking at the mirror and see it; Chipper is not going to be there for ever and management might not sign Tex, so you my friend, will have to be a young leader along with Brian. You are a great player, but sometimes we have to change our way of thinking or doing things (called adjustments), in order to continue to be successful. Think about it! Good Luck and let's get this darn thing turn around.

Jeff,

I KNOW THIS IS KIND OF LONG, BUT YOU SHOULD REALLY READ IT. I've taken the time to read a lot of these comments other people have left about you guys. I have to say that a lot of it is true. But here's my take on it. I'd first like to say that even though many people claim this, I am probably the biggest Braves fan in the world for people age 22 and under. I've been watching since before I was 2 and I've been told that when I was a baby, sometimes I'd just start crying for no reason and the only way I'd stop is if she put on either the Braves or the flintstones. I LOVE MY BRAVES! Unfortunately, at the current time I'm somewhere I'd rather not be and I don't have the capability to watch very many games. BUT I am familiar with your swing.

PROBLEM: Okay man, so here's the biggest problem I see with you. OBVIOUSLY you're IN LOVE with the high heater. This is a problem I've had before too. I mean let's face it, its almost eye level so it's only natural to swing at it. It looks SO good, it's in the middle of the plate, it's zipping by you at 95mph, and it's got some fan in the upper deck's name all over it. But here's the problem, your arms don't naturally swing that high that fast. I played my whole life. I do know that different batters have different swings. The mechanics or each swing is so different that its easier for some batters to hit certain pitches than it is for others. You are not designed to hit that high ball Jeff. You may get lucky every once in a while and crush it but as many times as you miss that thing.. it's really hurting the potential wins total ya'll could have. Find a pitch you're built for, and THEN wail away. I know it's a totally different perspective when you are actually standing in the box and when you are watching it on TV and it looks so easy. But I do have to say that until you fix this problem you are going to look ridiculous when the catcher stands up an hour before the pitch is released and you swing anyway.

SOLUTION: Here's what helped me and may work for you too. Go to the cages with 3 things: a bat, a HUGE bucket of balls, and a pitcher. Get the pitcher to throw you NOTHING but fastballs. Tell him to throw them all in your "weak zone", maybe around chest level, the ones that you chase so often. But here's the thing, you CAN'T swing at them. You set up for the pitch, take your stride.... but you DON'T SWING. You just have to let them go by you. Let the WHOLE bucket go right by you and you can't do ANYTHING about it. After every pitch though, after you let it go by, have the pitcher yell out "ball", so you can get it through your head that this pitch is NOT a strike and NOT one that you should swing at. Remember to keep a fresh mind set on every single pitch. Then put all the balls back in the bucket and do it again. BUT this time.. have the pitcher throw about 90% in your weak zone and about 10% that are actually strikes. SWING at the strikes and let the high heaters go by. Continue this drill and each time increase the amount of strikes and decrease the amount of high balls until the pitcher is throwing 10% high heat and 90% strikes. Once you have mastered not swinging at the high heat you should be all set. The only downside to this drill is you may not swing at the hanging off speed pitches that fall in for strikes. I'm sure you can adjust to this. But even if you do let those pitches go, there won't be many hanging breaking balls thrown. That's the VERY LAST pitch a pitcher wants to throw. You won't be struck out on that pitch NEARLY as often as you will the high fastball.

On a final note I'd like to say that you guys are doing a HECK of a job. Injuries have been the Achilles heel of the club lately. It's not easy but you guys have dealt with it rather nicely. Keep the guys' spirits up man. This could be Chipper's break out year and I'd like to see it go well. I know this team has the most heart of any other ball club. This is why I have remained faithful to the team. If any team out there is capable of doing something against the odds, I'd put my money on this team before anybody else. Stay strong on the road and remember that playing ball on the road ain't so bad... at least you're playing ball right? And home's right around the corner for you guys every time you leave. I want you guys to bring the world series trophy back to Atlanta and get another red flag hanging up in left center. This team definitely has the talent and ingredients to do it. We just gotta figure out the right recipe. But I'm pretty sure Bobby knows what he's doing. Stay strong and remember how lucky you are to be doing what you're doing. GOOD LUCK!

-Your Friend,
Jeff -Douglas, GA

"Chipper's break out year"?? lol!! I think Chipper's already had one of those.

Oh, yeah - Jeff... One more thing, man.

What's with the hitch?? It's making you tardy.

Hey Jeff,
Can you ask whoever it is that is telling you to wear those blue uniforms why you guys keep wearing them? I've watched games all season and I can't remember the last time the Braves won with those on. I think you guys need to go back to the classic gray.
Thanks,
Your Fan Spencer

Do you all really think he's going to take hitting tips from fans? And do any of you really think you know anything about hitting in pro baseball? Anyway, Jeff, you're a free swinger and you're slumping a bit. Big deal. You'll come around. You know what you have to do. You got there, we didn't. Bottom line. So I SINCERELY hope you don't read these comments and if you do, hope you're chuckling a bit. Chin up, dude, keep grindinng: this season will turn around for the Braves. (I mean it has to, no? lol)
--Braves fan for over 25 years.

jeff, I think your doing a hell of a job but your pressing a little bit.It looks like your very tense at the plate right now and you should just stay with what got you here.I think your making it harder than it is.....see the ball hit the ball and go with the pitch.STOP listening to T.P and just have fun!!You were alot more successfull that way!!Keep up the good work and stay positive.Take another day off too as it seems that helped.GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good call jsmittman. Everyone needs to chill out on writing treatises about hitting. You are trying to tell a MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYER how to hit... there is nothing you can tell him that he doesn't already know. When you are condescending to Jeff Francoeur about how to hit a baseball you pretty much look like a clown.

Anyway, it's just a matter of the whole club having a rough patch. What they don't need is a bunch of fans jumping all over them while they're down. I understand the frustration, trust me; watching the game last night made me want to throw up. But now is when the players need to know that they have a solid fan base that sticks with them in the good times and the bad. We need to help them out of the rough spots by talking them up and giving them some confidence. I don't know if Francoeur reads these comments or not, but I kind of hope he doesn't because a lot of it is garbage that would only get in his head and make it harder for him to relax at the plate.

Come on, if you're a Braves fan then let's pick these guys up and get behind them. Let's get some wins and get back on track.

Relax. We're struggling right now, but losing doesn't define us. We're the Braves! We'll pull through it. If half the team is on the DL, go out there and show no fear. No more defeatist attitudes. We're the Braves, we win. And if we happen to get outscored, we play our hearts out. And enjoy it along the way.

You will find your swing. Stop looking for it.

We will win. We have to. =)

nice hit

To Jeff and the Braves,
I know it's been a few days since you all have played little league ball, but you need to remember some of the fundamentals that you were taught as a little leaguer.
NEVER SWING AT THE FIRST PITCH, you use that first pitch at each bat to see what the pitcher has.. I have to words for you...BE PATIENT.

Joe and Peggi,
Absolutely, totally, 100% incorrect! I can't believe any baseball fan/player would ever say that! As a pitcher one of the main objectives is to get ahead in the count. How can they do that if they don't throw a first pitch strike? Granted, there are SOME TIMES where it would be advantageous to take the first pitch, but most of the time (especially when a player is in a slump or down in the order) the first pitch is the best pitch you will see your entire at bat. Being patient does NOT mean taking the first pitch. It means being selective at the plate and knowing where you like your pitches to be, then eating them up and launching them for base-hits.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeff, I am VERY disgusted in the way you guys have played your last five games including the series in Chicago. If you guys take a lead deep into a game, you keep it. If you can’t keep it, that’s why you guys go back out there and regain the lead. That’s the way the game of baseball is played. It doesn’t really matter if you guys are at home or on the road, in both instances you are given a baseball field to play on. I feel really bad for Bobby right now because you guys are making him look really BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. Stop swinging at those really high fastballs Jeff, you can’t do anything with those pitches. Just because the publicized Mets are loosing doesn’t mean you guys have to lose too.

Please dive for the BALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Braves just haven't been up to their level lately. Wrigley Field is a very difficult atmosphere. We can at least give you credit for starting to turn it around with a two run home run today. If only the rest of the team had supported it.
Brentonhttp://braverays.mlblogs.com

This team has no desire or heart to win, and frankly, I think they have quit for the year. It is time to not only make some player changes, but I think it is time for Cox and Pendleton to go also. You can blame it on pitching, but it is the everyday players that are killing the Braves. When you don't score more than 2 or 3 runs a game, you aren't going to win many.

Jeff, you had a good game today. You hit a HR and if you just keep chugging away at it, the hits will start rolling in for you before too long. Have a great weekend against the Angels! Enjoy Cali!

Hey Frenchy,
There are a lot of really good points that have been made by these fans. I have to agree with a few of them. But I'm going to tell ya what I think, you guys are THE BRAVES, the best team in the MAJOR LEAGUES with the most heart and integrity that I've ever seen in any team in the history of MLB. I've been watching you guys since I was a baby and I don't know how one person could sit around and say that they are a "bigger fan" than anyone else cause that is not possible to determine. There are some things that you need to improve with your swing but that will come to you. One thing to do though is to stop chasing those high fastballs. But I honestly don't think that these fans can just sit here and tell you that you need to improve on your swing when there are others that need to do the same. I know that things get hard on the road but you guys need to keep your heads up and the heart and determination to win. We love you guys win or lose but I know that ya'll have it in ya'll to win. For years I have watched the braves through some of there weakest battles and if there is one thing that I have learned is that you never count the braves out. It's not over til its over. Atlanta has so much potential to do great things this season. The All-Star break is coming up soon I hope that things will turn around for ya'll. We have got to start winning on the road. I know it can be hard but keep your determination to win at home and take it out on the road with you guys. Know that winning is all in your heads and heart, you've got to want it bad to win it. Leave everything out on the field. In this road trip you've got some stiff competition we fell 3 games to the Cubs now we've got to pick our heads up and just go out there and outscore the Angels this weekend. If they score, you've got to go out there and want to score 2 for there every 1. We can do this I have fate in you guys and so do the rest of your fans. Keep your chins up, your bats back, your stance right, swing when you get a good pitch, and be patient, watch for greatness, you'll sense it when its there, then play your heart out each and everytime you go out on that field. Enjoy the rest of the road trip, and try not to worry too much about winning just go out and DO IT!!.
We love you guys.
Always,
Erica from FLoriDa.

Joe and peggy,
NEVER just take the first pitch to "gauge" what the pitcher has. unless you have absolutely wasted your time in the on deck circle looking at the fans, yourself on the jumbotron, your hot girlfriend, etc. but thanks for caring for the Brave enough to try and help. Fortunately, i don't think Jeff is going to take any "tips" from those of us experts on the forum:)

I was so proud of your home run on Thursday!! It broke my heart for you guys when we lost.
I want to give a big THANK YOU to you and all the other Braves who signed balls for me at Gate D at Wrigley Field. It means so much to us fans that you do that.
I was amazed at how many fans you have from other states that came all the way to see ya'll play in Chicago. I met other fellow Georgians there as well as your fans from Illinois, Wisconson, Ohio, Texas, and Indianna. (They are all mad about TBS not airing you any more by the way.) You guys have so many people that love and believe in you. I think if you could get yourself out of the mindset that you will lose on the road, you can start winning. That is the only thing stopping you, because ya'll certainly have the talent.
I am proud of my team and know that things are about to turn around.
Angeline L

Jeff,

There are host of thoughtful comments here. I hope you are indeed reading them.

Your statement in your original remarks is important. You wrote, "People keep asking how we can play so good at home and so bad on the road. Really I don't know what it is."

It answers the question. The team is losing because it doesn't know what it is that is keeping it from winning.

Feel helpless, powerless, puzzled, overwhelmed, discouraged, and you lose.

The Braves will win, when they again have their team "ah-ha" and start playing the kind of game you all want to play instead of the kind of game you don't want to play. That later game is no fun.

I hope that the Braves cut through the “don’t know” stuff and get at, the “do know” stuff. The "do know" aspects of Braves baseball are a lot more fun to watch.

Doug

Braves 5 Angels 2

Awsome job guys, keep the momentum going!!! You have what it takes to be the best team out there.

Angeline L

Jeff you guys are doing great against the Angels Im so glad to see it.Maybe now you all can forget about all the losses on the road and just take care of the present business.Its not going to do the team or the fans any good to dwell on what we cant change, just keep playing like you are right now and it will all even out....Good luck tonight...GO BRAVES!!!

Way to go Braves!!!!!!! Now let's go out there and sweep those Halos tonight!!! Let's go Hotlanta!!!!!

Good job going to Anaheim and taking the Angels series. Good luck against the Rangers and their offense. With the way Chipper and McCann have hit this year, the Atlanta offense could balance theirs out since I think the Braves have the better pitching staff.
Brentonhttp://braverays.mlblogs.com

Can the Braves win on the road????
YES WE CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great game tonight guys!
Jair was totally awesome pitching almost 8 innings with no runs.
Just keep doing what you did tonight guys because it is working for you.

Angeline L

Telling Jeff not to swing at the 1st pitch is like telling the sun not to rise.

redemptioncousin
When I played little league if we swung at first pitch we look laps after the game. And 99% of the time when Jeff swings at the first pitch it is HIGH and OUTSIDE. Holding off on the first pitch shows patien

To those of you that have been critcising Jeff ... Jeff has been doing his part to help the team. He had a homerun in Chicago that gave us two runs last Thursday, a single on Friday and a two-run double on Monday night. In fact the whole team is looking better. They have had a lot to deal with with all of the injuries that have plagued the team, that is bound to affect the morale of the team. I think they are doing awesome given the circumstances.

(I am very defensive when it comes to my Braves.)

Angeline

I have followed the Braves since the early 80's. When they went through their 12 years of championships, they hit "with a level swing", but now most of them use the "hit down on the ball" approach. That's a Charlie Lau method, cause he says hit down and the ball will go through the infield and you will get a hit. But he forgot to mention that you also get a lot of pop ups Braves men on base and what do we get-2 or 3 popups). Swing through the ball (level swing) and you can drive the ball into the outfield or over the fence. I can't undersand why TP doesn't get them to do this. Remember Reggie Jackson? Hit 3 homers in world series game by driving the ball with a level swing (Get out some old tapes of Mantle, Williams, Aaron). The drove the ball. But the young kids now don't understand it.

Jeff,
So far so good for this road trip. Ya'll have the momentum right now to come back home on top of things. Ok so ya'll lost last night, but ya'll put up one hell of a fight with that loss. This is the best I have seen ya'll all year on the road. I know that ya'll can do this and keep up this pace you guys are absolutely the best. I love ya no matter win or lose. So with this road trip soon coming to an end ya'll can bring your momentum back into Atlanta and get back on top again. It's only a matter of time before you guys are ruling the division again. The All-Star break is soon and that is you guy's time to shine like the stars that we all know you are. Your fans are here no matter what cheering you guys on so keep winning and keep playing you hearts out and no matter what we'll all be loving you guys. We got FAITH that it can be done cause ATL has done it before. It's NOT OVER til it's OVER with the Braves.
Erica

Tell Smoltz to take it easy while he and Tiger Woods rehab!

Sometimes I think fans forget how hard it really is to play on the major league level. Just keep your head up Jeff, there are always going to be valleys if there are to be mountains. I hope we can keep our disable list short, but it seems that is not going to work to our advantage right now. I know the pitching rotation has taken a beating this year especially since Tim is the only veteran trying to hold up the rotation. Chipper is doing great, but as you well know it takes a team to win. There will always be slumps that everyone gets in and it will get better, just try not to overthink the mechanics of playing. KEEP THE FAITH! Now saying that, Let's take 2 out of 3 from the Rangers!

I just wanted to say thanks! I went to the games in Chicago last week. Aside from the losses, it was one of the best experiences I have had.

After a brutal 1st day of harassment from the bleacher section, Jeff came out with smiles on Wednesday and was kind enough to sign the ball I stole from a Cubs fan. (Hey, he took one from my boyfriend first from Royce Ring, so only fair to take the one Fukudome tossed, right?) After a brief chat with the new Sammy Sosa (popular in the right field bleacher section, I assure you), Mark Kotsay was next to sign. You rock, Kotsay! (I talked to John and he said to call him. He loved the flowers). I would have loved a signature from B Mac since he is my favorite catcher, but since he left me hanging in the heat, I have now decided to put Frenchy in front of Brian as my favorite Brave to watch. You are both beat out by Escobar, sorry..... I love that kid! Keep up the doubles Mac. You're a rockstar!
All of this sounds like random babble, I am sure, but in reality I have acquired great memories that I will cherish for a long time to come. Thank you all for that. I know we will take the Cubs in Atlanta. Or at least win one so I do not kill my Cubby friend. That was the longest 16 hour car ride home from Chicago!
Thanks for all you do! GO BRAVOS!!!!!

Teeka - The Caveman Fan

Jeff, great defense as usual, but the offense stinks. I have
been watching the Braves since 1980. The Braves just had
a couple of good players back then. I even bought a satellite dish so I could watch the games. These games lately have been more painful to watch than the early '80 games. When Kelly drops a ball, that a ten year old could have caught, to lose that Friday night game, was painful.
When you come up to bat with runners of base, I can't bare to watch. Just think about how many runs you have left of base in the last two weeks. When you took a day off, you hit great the next day. Maybe you should take a week off.
Sorry for being so truthful, but you are killing the ball team.

Dear Jeff,
please dont take hitting instructions from random Braves fans on your blog. You already can hit like a mother (that's a good thing)

Does anyone know when and where the " Swing like Reggie Jackson Camp" is going to be held? I am also looking for the " When I was in Little League Conference".
Will there be a cover charge for these events? Well, I have to go now. I'm running late to my "How Not to Show Your Stupidity on a Blog Page" meeting! Hopefully some of you will attend!!!!!

Atta boy Frenchy, nice Ribbie in the ninth to help us tie it. Sucks we couldn't hang on to win, would've really helped. I agree with another comment about not taking advice from a bunch of fans about your hitting, you're up there, they're not. Keep doing what you do, we love you here in GA and we're proud that you, McCann, Huddie and the rest are representing GA, ATL and the Braves. All of us fans will be there tomorrow when y'all get back home, lets get back on a roll and put a win streak together. Go Braves

I am loving this kid Morton! He is no JS, but a refreshing addition. B Jones isn't too shabby either. Watch out Frenchy! He may be moving to RF...... lol.

Teeka - The Caveman Fan

I watched one pityfull game last night frenchy .You have to be worried about your contract because you played terrible and I just hate to see you come up to the plate with runners on tbase.you have no idea where the ball is going when you swing at it and as I'm writing this your batting with a guy on first and third in the first inning and I know what's going to happen.STRIKEOUT!!!!!!!!! I knew it was coming.We braves fans have a long season ahead of us with this team.It hurts to watch

Umm...Jeff...please go to a sports psychologist or to a Priest..your embarrasing yourself and YOUR TEAM...do you even realize the MAN IN SCORING POSITION you have left ON BASE JUST THIS WEEK.....YOUR OBP is down to .298! and do you ALSO KNOW...that you havent got the ball OUT OF THE INFIELD IN A WEEK...better get YOUR MIND right...you could do all the batting cages and all you want but IF you dont get your mind right...you will continue to struggle my friend, hope you get better and have a MONSTER Second Half...Good Luck...

Ya'll struggled Friday and Saturday but you did come through with a Saturday night win. If winning a ballgame was as easy as some people that post here think, then we all could be professionals ... but it isn't and we are not. All players go through slumps Jeff. Just stay focused and listen to your coaches and you will come out of it. You had some good hits on the road that some of these people seemed to have missed or forgotten. I was there in Chicago when you made your 2 run homerun. You are a very talented young man and are going to do just fine.
Now to Brian McCann ... a big "WHOO HOO" to Brian McCann for his game winning hit!!
Now on to pitchers ... Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux will always be my favorite pitchers ... having said that I want to add that Jair Jurrjens is a joy to watch as he developes into what I believe is going to be another ace pitcher for Atlanta.
Angeline

Jeff, we're in your corner. My wife and I try to catch every game at least on TV. Our kids were at Brookwood when you were at Parkview. We root for you and Brian as if you were our own kids! As far as hitting, FWIW, I've always admired the fundamental "meet the ball" approach as a slump buster. Being a pro level bowler, I've found as cliche' as it sounds, going back to basics can be a great help find the groove again. Good Luck!

Jeff, you are in a bad slump and your average is down to .246. Stop trying to hit a long ball when you can hit a single. I know that I can't hit a 90 mph fastball, but you can. I watch every Braves game I can, and I always see you strike out. As you could tell a Little Leager, it's O.K to strike out, but really STOP TRYING TO HIT HOMERS.

P.S. Watch out for the high-and-in fastball

It is really amusing to read the comments that are being left for Jeff. It is great to have so many people who are obviously experts on the finer points of the game, what with their experience in little league baseball and even professional bowling and all! I am certain that when Jeff reads that he ought to stop swinging at the high fastballs or that he needs to stop swinging at the first pitch, he will find a moment of clarity and begin his own trek towards a .400 BA season. Or, perhaps this is something he will have to work through on his own. I think his coaching staff, you know, the ones who are actually experts in the game of baseball, will be able to help him get back on track, but it will be Jeff Francoeur who ultimately gets himself out of this funk he is in. Most of us do not like having another person who is clearly not a qualified expert in the field tell us how to do our jobs. Why should we assume that it is our right to do that to Jeff?

I too am amazed that people think that this is a blog requesting advice from us .. it isn't. It is a blog to "inform" us on what is going on and try to make us a part of things as we see them through the eyes of a very talented ball-player.
If the team is not doing as well as you would like saying something like "you'll do better next time" is an appropriate post. Better yet, post what is going RIGHT with the team. Tim Hudson and Will Ohman both had innings with no runs ... Mark Teixeira had three homeruns (2 as a leftie and one as a rightie) ... and Brian McCann (one of my favs) also hit a homerun ... but no one here has posted a "way to go guys on an awsome night".
Until now any ways because I just have to say it, "Wow what a game ... way to go guys on an awsome night!!!!!"

Angeline

It seems now that Jeff right eye is the cause of his hitting issues, avg dropped to 246, but after watching the game last night, the issues are far more serious his stubborn with his swing and not be patient at the plate, not only that, but also his fielding is being affected by it as well. This last weekend, against the worst team in the majors he had two opportunities to throw runners out at the plate and lack the concentration to make the plays as we are used to. It is affecting his whole game and it is damaging the braves run to the playoffs. Jeff needs to start producing soon, I mean before the all star break for us to have a chance. Angeline you are right on your comments, but the team needs to be more consistent, that means sweeping the Mariners, worst team in baseball, and winning one run games on the road. Did you all realize if we had won half of the one run losses we could have the best record in baseball?
It's time to build a streak...as bad as it seems, we are only 4 1/2 games back, are you kidding me, we can still do this...Kotsay is about to come back in a week, hopefully Hampton is due back after the break, he is doing well in the rehab assignment, but I won't hold my breath...Hope Chipper gets healthy soon this week...starting pitching is coming along nicely, considering all the injuries, Glavine will be out 4 to 6 weeks...is Gonzalez becomes consistent, then we have a closer, first appearance he closed nicely, but the next, he allowed 3 runs...The hitting is the key, we barely beat Seattle 2 out of 3 (Had to come back late in 2nd game) and lost 10-2 1st game...last night again we didn't hit, this is git ti change... (We have never hit Ben Sheets anyway) HINT: He is a free agent next year and with Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton most likely gone next year this is a no brainer...Good thing that Phillis and Mets are losing as well...

Come come now. I think that Jeff really does appreciate all the criticisms regarding his swing and average. I am sure he is writing down all the quality advise that is being thrown at him. Who needs a paid batting coach when you have the Fearless Bloggers in Frenchy's Forum! Way better!
I watch almost every game and my fella can count on one hand how many he has missed. In all those games, I do not see that Francouer is the sole problem, nor the sole reason for success. They can't win them all. We can only keep on cheering. That is our job as fans.
I truly appreciate the good play gentlemen! Ya'll will work out the rough patches! GET HEALTHY!
(oh, and Frenchy.... I was just kidding about B Jones taking over your position! Hope all is OK, or will get better soon!)

Teeka - The Caveman Fan

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perserverance; and perserverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4

I am not saying we aren't struggling, I just think some posts go too far by focusing only on the negative and never mention what the Braves are doing right. There are definately things the team can work on and are working on. I heard last night as did most of you that Jeff's dad had persuaded him to see an eye doctor because of such a difference in Jeff's night games and day games. Hopefully the contact will help him see better at the night games.
I want us to win too and make the playoffs (I have withdrawels when the season ends!!)
On another note ... let me get my pom poms back out and give a big cheer for Buddy Carlisle's performance last night!
Angeline

Hi Frenchy,

Best of luck to you & the team. Just hang in there and just do the basics man, the rest will come. Pitchers have your number right now. Just go back to the basic and just make good contact and you will be back on top

Fellow fans,

Here we go again, I guess the right contact is not working, obviously is a mechanical thing, that day or night stats is pure coincedence...My friends also is working on his head because 2 errors in 1st inning is unreal and unheard of...Also we continue to make average or below average pitchers (records worst than 3-6 era 5+) looking like Cy Young all starts, except Sheets, always has beaten Atlanta), hitting is a major problem now...The brewers announcers are even talking about how come the braves are playing so poorly,,,Jeff just made another horrific throw to home as the brew crew scores yet another run, 4-0...

There is much frustration among players, shown by Escobar, known for being a nice guy...

Jeff,
Just want to offer you some advice. Go and look at some tape from 2005, when you were tearing the cover off the ball, and you batted .300 with 14 HR. Take a look at your batting stance and notice how you swung the bat, nice and level, held on to the bat with two hands every swing and your front leg was straight and planted firmly in the ground at the point of contact, not bent like I see it now. And hopefully you can get back to the mechanics you had in '05, that will prove beneficial now. Because I notice this year, that when you swing and miss or foul it off, you make a powerful swing and hold on to the bat with two hands. But when you put the ball in play, most of the time you're reaching down and away, letting go with one hand and just pulling a weak one handed bouncer to left side of the infield, not getting any power behind your swing. Pitches down and away, just make a half swing and serve it to right field, and pitches middle-in, make a full swing and pull those into left field. It pains me to watch you hit this year, because I know your're a much better hitter than that. Like I said just see if you can take a look at that film from '05 and even '06 when you hit 29 HR, make the necessary adjustments and let's take-off this year and win this division. It's there for the taking.
Oh and one more thing, I hope you remember this. But in August, 2006 in a game against the Phillies at home, we attended the game while on vacation. Me and my dad were in the right field seats. And in a crucial part of the game, with a man on second for the Phils', my dad shouted, "throw 'em out at the plate Franc" and you turned around, acknowleged him, and laughed, like sayin', "hey, somebody noticed that I'm good at throwing out guys at the plate". But yeh, we thought that was great that you acknowleged us. That was the highlight of that game for us. And the Braves won 3-1 which made it even better. I've never been to a Braves game that they lost. I've been to 5, and wish I'd been to more. Allright Franc' I'm confident the Braves will turn this season around and make the playoffs, take care and God bless.

Aaron,
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

OK.... I was able to catch the last few innings of the Mariners game at lunch and I saw the most amazing thing! A pitch out to Frenchy to get to Chipper! I got a little nervous at first. It looked like you wanted to swing at one, Jeff. =0) This is a joke of course. I appreciate the way you play on all sides and more importantly, I appreciate your character. My opinion might be different if you were an unsavory individual in person, but you're not. You are a class act along with several of your colleagues. (Except Brian Mccann. I am still bitter he did not sign my ball when he clearly gave me the "hang on a second" finger........ Still sweating, B Mac. Still sweating, lol)

Nice job to Gonzo - 32 and counting.... good to have you back!
Kelly, you are a rock star! Keep up the good work! (oh, I appreciate the smile in Chicago. Made for a nice pic. Doesn't beat the cheese Huddie gave me, but a nice pic none-the-less.)

Escobar - ¡Que se mejore!
Teeka - The Caveman Fan

Yayyyyyyyyyyyy ... Braves win!!!
Kudos to Kelly Johnson who went went 2-for-4 with three badly needed RBIs and to Gregor Blanco for his RBI single in the fifth.
We had great pitching today by Jorge Campillo, Blaine Boyer, and Mike Gonzalez.
Congratulations to Brent Lillibridge for his first career hit.

Get well wishes to all my beloved Braves on the DL. Get well soon. WE NEED YOU!!!!
Angeline

when are you going to stop looking like a fool swinging at all those horrible pitches? Keep that up and don't expect to remain in Atlanta too long. Take notes from Mac.

All I have to say is I think you need to quit trying to be the hero - I think when you get up to bat & the bases are loaded you are already reading the headlines! I understand that from watching your special on tv - you have got to let that go and be a team player - put the ball in play - sacrafice - take a walk! Do what you can to get one run not a grand slam. You are pressing way too much & it seems like you only have a homerun on your mind when you swing & nothing else! I hate that you are struggling & only hope for the best for you!!!!

What a way to start a series guys!!! Great defence in your Toronto opening. Tex was awesome as usual. Good job closing by Gonzalas ... but the night belonged to Jair Jurrgens!!! YOU ROCK JAIR!!!!!!
Angeline

Jeff,
you want to hear some irony..... you play right field, but you refuse to hit it there. why is that? And tell Bobby that the braves should sign bonds.. We need more offense.

I believe that wearing your emotion's on your sleeves, makes you play better. Well, I think it's time you guys started showing some! Please! Because we gotta start winning consistently! I know we can win the East!

Aaron,
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

Francoeur,

Don't you think it is time for you to start playing "Productive" baseball. Quit playing for yourself and start playing for the team. Just start having fun with it.

Jerry

I didn't realize there were so many unemployed hitting coaches out there. I know this thing will turn around for the Braves. As bad as the 1st half has been, it's not even close to being decided. Stay positive and you'll get back on track, helping the Braves to start a new run of division titles!!!!
Jeremy
Chicago

Jeff,
I hate you are going through a slump. I know you are a man of faith so it is my prayer that God will use this struggle to bring you closer to Him. I appreciate your witness. You always do such a wonderful job of letting His Light shine in your life. 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NIV) "6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

Angeline

Jeff,
It's sickening seeing you guys lose on the road so often this year. And I know you guys have had enough of it too. But in my opinion, there's only a few differences of playing on the road vs. playing at home.
1. You bat in the top of the inning instead of the bottom. So just think, you still get 9 innings to bat.
2. You don't bat last in the 9th, or in extra innings. So you can't get a walk off hit. But you can, try and grab the lead in the top of the inning, so you can get a walk off pitch, that results in the final out.
3. The fans are not cheering for you, and they're telling you insulting things. Well, there's not much I can say to that. Except, just see if you guys can block those things out.
4. And remember, on the road, you're still playing baseball. The same game that you play at home. 60 ft. 6 in. from the mound rubber to home plate. And 90 ft. between the bases.
So if you want to. See if you guys can think about those 4 things. And if you do. Hopefully this will be sound advice, and it can help you guys on the road. Because I know you guys like to win as bad as I do. Anyway, I just wanted to offer some help Franc. And don't worry, you'll steadily get better as the year goes along!
Aaron,
Grand Cayman, C.I.

Well Jeff, it’s July, and there couldn’t be a better way to start this crucial month than with a clash with the first place Phillies at home. For a team under five hundred and only about four games out of first place a sweep would be a helpful start. Now that Chipper could be headed onto the DL, it’s time for you to step up your game and be the player you know you can be and have been in your early career. The start of this new month marks a new start for you and an opportunity to forget the early struggles you have had this season. Patience and confidence are crucial elements a young leader like you needs needs to excel in Major League at bats. Use these two elements to cash in on key at bats with men in scoring position and in other instances to start a rally by putting yourself in scoring position. Take a look at the Tampa Bay Rays, they have a young pitching staff that is getting it done, but wait, we have a coincidence, the Braves also have a young pitching staff that has been getting the job done lately. I truly believe the Atlanta Braves can be the National League’s Tampa Bay Rays by turning their season around, and it all starts now. Whether or not you guys can do this depends on what you and your teammates believe. For the Braves, the only missing piece right now is Jeff Francoeur’s consistency. Good luck Braves, and remember patience along with a great deal of confidence is the key to success.

Jeff...I have been a Braves fan for 35 years and am truly amazed by what you guys are doing with such a long injury roster. I have only one small piece of advice for you...don't swing at the first pitch. Even though it may work for you a small percentage of the time...you will throw the opposing pitcher's timing off by you not swinging. Every single one of them expect you to swing at that first pitch and they already have the next three pitches planned out for you. You are one of the greatest young hitters out there and you could knock every pitch out of the park. I want to see you succeed even more and just want you to select your pitches wisely as that will not only give you the upper hand but will surely raise your batting average by at least 50 points or more.

Jeff, I just wanted to stop by and show you some love! You are an awesome player and even a better person! I enjoyed so much watching the special on you and your family on SportSouth. Continue with your positive attitude and I know this slump will end…because you can’t keep a good man down! True Braves fans are behind you all the way!! Go Braves!!

Poor Golden Boy....if he reads these comment, he will never get out of that funk.....from the average Joe, Pro Bowler, arm chair hitting instructor, prayers of slumpbusters, visits to the priest....on and on..aint nothing going to help!!
Jeff you should have signed like your (real franchise player)buddy Mac..Now all the pressure is on you.
My only tip to you is try getting your uni dirty sometimes so that you can catch a ball that seems to drop two feet from you every game....if you cant do it with offence..you better take out that golden glove you played with last year....best of luck or should I say break a leg!

Even though most people want him gone. I think it's time to lay off Bobby Cox. Because his contract runs through '09. And the Braves aren't going to fire him. So we can't be running down the man that has to lead this team back to the playoffs! And Jeff. If you feel like, take a listen to this song. Artist: Skillet - Title: Collide. I believe it could offer you some inspiration! And I saw you went 1 for 4 last night. Hopefully that one hit can be the start of consistent hitting for you, and consistent winning for the team.
Never give up, Braves!
Aaron,
Grand Cayman, C.I.

I think your worrying too much man. We need you this year, don't give up. Everyone in the clubhouse and in the seats knows what your capable of.

2007 highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ_Eta87Jmg&feature=related

Jeff Jeff....enough, just pack up your bags and go.....NOW PLEASE....be a man do it for the team!!....go get your head straight..you need a change...men LOB is getting ridiculous?

Another nice game, Jeff. You are killing the team. I have watched every game since 1981, through the good times and the bad times. If you play tomorrow night against Houston, I will not watch another game this entire year. I will go to Blockbuster to rent a movie.

Dear Jeff

Slumps are tough...that is what makes baseball the game that it is...try not to be so hard on yourself....have some fun you're a grown man playing a boys game...have some with it you will find the light at the end of the tunnel...you are still one of my top two favorite players...i look forward to watching you turn things around
braves fan for life...josh hanson, wichita, KS

To the fans...

I am 29 years old...i have been a braves since i was 3...ironic it corresponds with another great number 3...anyway most of you make me sick...your insulting comments and arm chair coaching are ridiculous...this is what part of being a fan is you deal with the bad...it happens...we are spoiled! Be happy that we won 14 straight division titles a feat that no other team in the history of sports has ever accomplished! stop ridiculing jeff...he is not the soul blame for struggles they play and lose as a team or maybe you guys haven't noticed....try showing up to some of the games have some faith...things aren't always going to go our way...believe in the abilities of our injury riddled team....a lot of teams would have rolled over by now...things will come together...maybe some sorry and ungrateful fans need a change of scenary...the band wagon is open in boston, philly, or new york...those are cities that love thier teams only when they do well...maybe some of you should look at cub fans...100 years no ring...but they sell out every game even when they struggle...real fans...in short you closet fans should pack your bags and go some where else...
true fan josh hanson wichita,KS

To Josh Hanson ... I appreciate your comments. I have had the privilege of meeting Jeff Francoeur several times and he is an absolute sweetheart to the fans. He is always warm and friendly and willing to sign autographs for everyone. I hate how some people bash him here. He doesn't deserve it. If they think bashing Jeff is going to help Jeff get out of his slump they are wrong, it only adds to his frustation. Jeff is not the only baseball player in a slump and not the only Braves in a slump. Slumps are part of the game. No one is a "golden boy" all the time and ALL players past, present, and future have slumps.
To Jeff Francoeur ... You have the support and adoration of your fans, the love of your family, and your faith in the Lord to see you through this trying time. You are in my prayers.
Angeline

Hey Jeff,
Keep your head up kid! You'll get things worked out in no time in Pearl! We'll miss you while your there, but you're a big leaguer, and it won't be long and you'll be back in right at the Ted. Don't listen to all the bullshit and you will be fine.

Hey Angeline, you sound like a sweet girl. I just got laid off from my job of 18yrs...could you say a pray for me too.....thank you!
Dugg~

To thedugout - I will remember you in my prayers Dugg. It must be hard to give that many years to a company just to have them close the doors on you, especially when everyone is already struggling with the economy the way it is now.

To Jeff - do what you need to do in Mississippi and come back better than ever.
Angeline

Jeff
I'm can't begin to tell you how i bad i feel for you right now...i can't imagine how hard it to be demoted....however, have some fun! youre an exciting player to watch....it will all come back to you soon...i can't wait for you to get back and make all of these "fans" eat their own words....tear it up up kid show the world that you are still the player you know you are!!!
josh hanson wichita, ks