Later I'll publish some thoughts I have on the Phillies slow aenemic offense, but first, I'd like to share something else...
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To: All Big-Leaguers <players@mlb.com>
CC: All Big-League Managers and Coaches <coachingstaffs@mlb.com>
From: Tom G <ballssticksstuff@gmail.com>
Subject: Jeff FrancoeurDear Players,
I can't take it anymore...Everywhere I look, it's an article on Jeff Francoeur. The first dozen or so were kind of nice to read. The hometown boy, getting to play for his favorite team in the middle of a pennant race as a 21 year-old rookie up from Double A ball...leading the Atlanta Braves to the playoffs for the umpteenth time...It's a story that could not have been scripted better.
A script that is quickly beginning to make me gag. I've heard it all ad pukem.
Yes, Francoeur is a wonderful prospect, and baseball is better with him than without him. But please, when playing against him, use some common sense. Baseball is a game of adjustments, and it is time for you to do the professional thing and adjust.
Pitchers, first of all, while the kid may be batting .362 with an OPS of 1.081, he has taken only one walk. One! And it was intentional at that. So please, start throwing him some breaking stuff off the plate! The kid came from AA, you can't tell me he saw a lot of that there. Please, please, please make him to use a discerning eye at the plate.
Also, Francoeur has nine outfield assists, an astonishing total for someone who has logged only 288 defensive innings. Newsflash: the kid has an arm. Stop running on him. The Braves pitching staff, while good, is not the Braves pitching staff of old, so you don't have to take so many chances on the basepaths. Be a bit more conservative and wait for someone to drive you in.
To recap, pitchers: I'd like to see some breaking stuff way off the plate, he is not Vlad the Impaler just yet. Baserunners and third base coaches: Simmer down a bit, wait for a better chance to score. This ain't rocket science people.
Thank you.
Impatiently,
A Phrustrated Phillies Phan
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I'll keep you posted on any replies I get.
