May 18, 2006
Francoeurly Speaking
The Atlanta Braves rise coincides with the explosion of Jeff Francoeur's offense. On 4/30, Jeff went four for five and the Braves won. In the 18 games he's played starting on that date, Francoeur is 30 for 83 with 7 homers, 12 extra-base hits and 27 RBI. That helped the Braves to average 6.33 runs per game over that time period, the best in the NL. Their 9-1 victory over the Marlins today gives the team a 12-6 record and moves them 3 1/2 games out of first place.
Of course, the biggest difference is that Francoeur drew 1 walk in this stretch, his only one of the year. :-)
Okay I agree that Francoeur's bat has been huge to the turn around of the Braves, but overall (besides the some starting pitching) the Braves have turned it around as a team. Giles is hitting better, Chipper's staying healthy, the pitchers aren't letting up a run every other inning, the team is doing better. But I will say that in about 2 years the Braves will be led by Francoeur, unless he learns some patience, then he'll lead next year.