To trade or not to trade? That is the question

It didn't make any sense for Francoeur to sign that deal, and he'd have been throwing away a year of free agency.  By that point, the team will have more money and he'll be worth more. 

I guess he's hoping to get Gary Mathews Jr. money.  

Asuited,

(I made a rather lengthy post last night, but my internet went out just when I posted it, so it dissapeared into the void. I will try to sumerize, because I don't feel like typing the whole thing again.)

I post my opinion on Francoeur often because all but a select few on these boards are so stunningly wrong on that subject. And, contrary to your post, I never actually said I wouldn't post my opinion on Francoeur anymore ever. Go back and read it again. I am not constantly dissapointed about Frenchy because I know what to expect, now, and in the future. The two time frame expectations should not be at all the same. Francoeur, right now, is still a raw hitter. He will get better.  The way I project his development, which is realistic, he will really get going at the ages of 26-29. Surprise! Get this, he'll peak, sit down, when 99/100 players peak! What a concept. I'm sorry if you thought he'd continue his 2005 season without a hitch, but you'll see a Francoeur like that again. I sincerly hope you see it with a tomahawk across his chest. 

I for one would like to see the Braves move him around in the order in hopes he can rebound from his on-going slump.  Jeff has been batting in the 5 or 6 hole for sometime now he has only been benched once since that consecutive streak of games he had going.  Cox's decision to bench him or give him the day off earlier this season paid off because the following game I think he did pretty well.  But I do agree with some here when I say something has to happen with either Tex's contract or Jeff's sooner rather than later.  We need some good young arms and fast.  Glavine will probably hang it up after this season.  Smoltz's situation is still not clear and Hampton's return will probably never happen.  Mike Gonzalez and lefty specialist Will Ohman also have expiring contracts. 

The way I look at is that Frenchy and Tex will demand pretty hefty contracts and the Braves don't have enough money to pay both.  I think we are all in agreement that one if not both will be moved by then.  Frenchy has a little more upside because of his age but that is it.  Tex plays 1b a position we have not really had a perennial all-star play since the Fred McGriff.  Frenchy is pretty good Outfielder with a cannon for an arm but strikes out entirely too much.  The Braves can fill his position through free agency or someone from the farm system such as Brandon Jones, Gorky's Hernandez, Gregor Blanco or even Jason Heyward.  I know he is a fan favorite and the hometown boy but for god-sake how long is he going to walk easy street with Braves fans.  If he were any other player on the team he would be ripped more often for his lousy play.