Francoeur Atop the Royals' Wish List

by gondeee on Nov 5, 2008 9:43 AM EST in Braves Trade News

I asked the question on Monday, "does anyone want Jeff Francoeur?" And today we get somewhat of an answer, "Yes." First from Dave O'Brien, in his blog:

I had someone who’s close to the KC organization ask me just this morning what it would take to get Francoeur. He told me that if Dayton and his assistants had a list of the guys they’d like to trade for, Francoeur is atop it. Seriously. They don’t view him in light of this past season so much as they do for the years he was in the minor league system when Dayton was with the Braves, etc. They LOVE his mental makeup and physical talent.

And then this from The Kansas City Star:

The Braves appear willing to deal Francoeur, who slumped badly last season [...] Officials from both clubs reacted to this bit of gossip by saying no talks have taken place, but that isn’t likely to quell speculation — especially since Francoeur might sit atop Moore’s acquisition wish list.

What would it take?

The Braves could use someone with Teahen’s versatility but have an over-riding need for starting pitching. The likelihood is they, like many other teams, would demand Zack Greinke. And that, probably, would halt any discussion. But would Luke Hochevar be acceptable? Or possibly a top pitching prospect like Danny Cortes? Would the Royals even offer them?

All interesting names for discussion. I'd just like to point out one more time that I brought this up on Monday, pre-calling a Francoeur to the Royals rumor.

If the Braves can swing a pitcher with some upside in return for Francoeur, that might be the best scenario. It was brought up earlier in the week, why would we sell low on Francoeur, but as O'Brien said above, the view of Francoeur is still of a very toolsy talented young hitter. Sometimes baseball people just can't get past projected ability and actually see the stats on paper.

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It’s shocking that the Royals haven’t won anything in 20 years.

by matches on Nov 5, 2008 10:54 AM EST reply actions

from MLBTR:

Dutton says the Braves appear willing to trade Jeff Francoeur. While no trade talks have taken place, it’s known that Royals GM Dayton Moore is a fan. Dutton speculates that the Royals would not give up Zack Greinke for Francoeur, but may consider offering Luke Hochevar, Danny Cortes, or Mark Teahen.

oh my god, i would DIE if we got hochevar for him…i’d be thrilled witih cortes too, even if he is getting lit up in the AFL…he was excellent this year in the texas league

Following the Braves...one long hard drink at a time.

by bigjoe on Nov 5, 2008 11:24 AM EST reply actions

I got a chance to see Dayton Moore in action a number of times when he was with the Braves and he always came across as a very knowledgeable, level headed, smart baseball person, and he especially loved Jeff Francouer. You could see it when Dayton talked about him and when he talked to him.
I’m sort of torn on this one, because I’ve always been a huge fan of Frenchy and I do believe that he will rebound from this season. But, there’s also the part of me that realizes that some guys have a bunch of success early on and then turn out to be nothing. Anybody remember Ben Grieve? That guy looked amazing early in his career and after a short while he was in AAA and then out of baseball all together.
I really don’t want them to trade away Francoeur, but if they can get the kind of high caliber starting pitching the team needs, it might be impossible not to do it.

by cbwilk on Nov 5, 2008 12:12 PM EST reply actions

I agree

Not that I’m not interested in Hochevar, but moving Jeff opens up another hole in our lineup against lefty pitchers. Then again, I guess you could argue there’s just as big of a hole with him IN the lineup.

by scstrato on Nov 5, 2008 1:55 PM EST up reply actions

If we could land Hochevar, a guy who still is controlled for 5-6 seasons for Francoeur who is going to make arbitration money the next three years, I’d take it. Selling low on Francoeur isn’t something I really like, but Hochevar is probably a #4 starter and will see improvements from changing leagues and further development. I’d love it.

Cortes would be selling short a bit, though he wouldn’t be terrible to get back. Teahen does not hit enough to play a position that he’s capable of playing and is expensive this season.

by 17843 on Nov 5, 2008 12:33 PM EST reply actions

Hochevar?

I admit I’ve never seen him pitch… but he was pretty thoroughly outpitched by another 24-year-old KC pitcher – Kyle Davies – in almost equal starts/innings.

Except the “pedigree” that comes with being a #1 pick, I don’t see anything in Hochevar’s major or minor league experience that puts him above Reyes, Morton, Medlen or any number of young pitchers.

Could be wrong… maybe there’s some huge upside that doesn’t show in the numbers.

Teahan and Hochevar for Frenchy looks like a bad deal to me.

by MikeinAtlanta on Nov 5, 2008 2:09 PM EST up reply actions

He was 24, made 22 starts between being called up late and shut down late, averaged almost 6 IP per start, posted a 4.43 FIP and a 4.98 tRA*. That’s a solid #4 starter even if he doesn’t get any better and we’d control him for five seasons.

Teahen+Hochevar→Francoeur would be a disaster because of us wasting $3 million+ on Mark Teahen’s absolutely worthless skillset.

by 17843 on Nov 5, 2008 3:03 PM EST up reply actions

Hochevar has ace caliber stuff. He just got rushed to the majors and hasn’t figured out how to get ML hitters out yet. Even if we got him and stashed him in the minors for another year of seasoning I still like the deal. He is a guy tons of teams would love to have.

by KC Ryan on Nov 5, 2008 7:35 PM EST up reply actions