One year of Fran-coeuring

[TransMonk]

I have watched a couple of non-Mets games over the past few weeks. Everytime there is a runner on first and the batter gets a base hit to right field, I think, "there's no way that lead runner gets to third." But, they did everytime. Then I think, "there would be runners on first and second rather than first and third if Frenchy were in right."

That is his one asset...but it's not enough to give him any total advantage over the three players that should be out there.

[Theoldmole]

Given the fact that these days the entire bench is composed of middle relievers, how often is a pinch runner called for? We're not in the age of Herb Washington here.

[Guest Edgy DC]

I don't think it's true that runners are going from first to third on him every time. And I don't think there are truly three players who are demonstrably better able to fill his spot right now.

Martinez will displace him soon enough, maybe (probably) Evans also, but it's not true that performance has dictated that it be today.

[TransMonk]

Edgy DC wrote: I don't think it's true that runners are going from first to third on him every time.

I was saying the opposite. I see so many Mets games as opposed to other teams that anytime I see that situation I think the lead runner will only get to second because of Frenchy...even if he's not playing.

[Guest 86-Dreamer]

I don't understand the angst over using 4 outfielders amongst non-CPFers. All 4 Mets World Series teams have featured 4 outfielders splitting some time. The return to a 4 man rotation is a good omen - especially since Beltran will almost certainly need regular rest.

[Centerfield]

We don't have four outfielders for 3 spots, we have three. Well, three good ones anyway. Assuming Beltran comes back anything close to his old self, we will have two good outfielders and one that is in the middle of the pack (Jason Bay is 40th out of 66 outfielders who qualify). Jeff Francoeur is 59th out of 66 with an OPS below .700 (.695). Of the 7 guys behind him, only Carlos Lee is not a CF (or at least capable of playing an adequate CF). When Beltran comes back, we will have three starting quality outfielders, and three only.

This should not be mistaken in any way with our situation in 86. We had four outfielders with an OPS at least in the high 700's. Mookie (.775) Heep (.799) Lenny (.822) and Straw (.865). If you want to draw a comparison to Francoeur, I guess you would have to go to George Foster...but even his numbers (.718) beat Frenchy's.

It's tough to measure Francoeur's value against the bench players. While Francoeur has a track history, the other guys either have too few at-bats to be meaningful, or have spent most of their time in the minors. I don't think you can say he should be off the team, nor do I think you can conclusively say he's the best option on the bench.

[Centerfield]

But to be clear, this is not to say that RF should not be a platoon situation, it absolutely should. But Francoeur doesn't warrant any other playing time other than that.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Agreed, nor does he warrant much faith to continue long should he falter.

[Benjamin Grimm]

Because of the stadium announcer in San Juan, I now often think of Jeff as Zheff FranoCOO!

Sorry for the interruption. Back to the previously scheduled discussion...

[batmagadanleadoff]

I'm harboring some anticipatory angst that Francoeur will get more PT than is warranted, at Pagan's expense. I could live with Frenchy as a backup and occasional starter against some lefties.

[Guest metsguyinmichigan]

Given Beltran's fragility, and even Pagan's past fragility, I'd say a fourth outfielder on this team is more like a third-outfielder-plus. He's going to get playing time on a regular basis.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Yeah, my only worry is interrupting what's been a Grrrrrrrrreat! season from Pagan.

I mean, David's been the 1st Half MVP, but Pagan deserves some kind of award.

Here, Angel, have this trophy:

[Guest Edgy DC]

"Angel Pagan... Most Valuable Batsman on a Skateobard! Get up here and collect your trophy, Angel."

[Centerfield]

That's a hoverboard wise guy. Hoverboard.

[Benjamin Grimm]

I thought maybe it was this guy:

[Vic Sage]

you rang?

[Vic Sage]

my 2 cents...

i think that suggesting the roster spot given to Francoeur rather than, say, Jesus Feliciano, will cost us a post-season slot is alot of agenda advancement at the expense of rationality.

you may now return to your regularly scheduled deceased equine flagellation