Rosenthal statement -- What do you guys think?

[lavell12]

Before the 1 o'clock game today on Fox Ken Rosenthal was talking about Dontrell Willis possibly being traded after the season and he mentioned two names they are talking about getting in return. One was Carl Crawford while the other was JEFF FRANCOEUR. I wouldn't do that deal but it could happen.

[TheMatrix31]

I have two words for this idea:

No way.

[FalconPride]

I wouldn't because I would deal Francoeur for a more sure pitcher, but Dontrelle definitly is intriguing. Francoeur's offense is replacable, but this team needs pitching.

[McCarroll21]

I think the front office has different names for Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann than what most of us know them as. I think JS has given them the names Untouchable #1 and Untochable #2, the order changes weekly.

I can understand why Rosenthal would say that, but the Braves won't deal Francoeur ... especially right now.

Trading everyday players with that much potential for a pitcher is absurd, in my opinion. Not that Willis for Francoeur wouldn't be fair, I just think pitchers can have too many things go wrong to trade a position player of Francoeur's ability/potential.



Edit: Also, I'm going to edit the title to better reflect the thread.

[Nic]

I don't see all the potential everyone else sees in Francoeur. I just See Andruw Jones minus the defense. I'd make that trade in a heart beat. An arm like Willis is hard to come by. A sub .300 obp can be replaced.

[vnodnarb]

i am a huge francoeur fan but yeah, if its jeff for willis straight up, i would def. do it

[Nasadega]

I do see the potential. I see a potential new CF when andruw retires or leaves the team. Francoeur's defense is already better than average, and with the experience, he'll stop overthrowing to home plate and/or missing relays. I'm sure he could do a very good job in CF and heck, it's better than Mondesi/Jordan/Langerhans.
Don't forget he's only 22yo, and once he'll master his eyes and swing he'll be a beast. He's showed some sparks of brillance in July with a near 300AVG. If he can correct his swings so he develops his speed and power in less time, he'll have more time to see the pitch.
Last year his numbers were impressive because nobody knew him. Then at the beginning of 2006 everybody knew you just had to throw palmballs outside of the batter's box to strike him out. It took him a lot of time to recover from that, and it stills happens to him (but less).
And don't forget he was at the WBC last year, he missed a lot of ST games. I'm sure that a true ST this time will do him a lot of good.
We shouldn't trade him when we don't even know how he looks like with all his potential mastered.
The year when Frenchy will make baserunners hold at 3rd and pitchers cry because they have to put the fastball in on a 3-0 count, we'll be glad we've endured his learning years.

[Vuchato]

I wouldn't do it, just because of marketing. Willis is definitely marketable, but I don't think as much as Jeff, plus he's a hometown hero, our attendance would suffer so much. on a matter of talent, I'd probably do it, but I don't think he'll ever leave unless he walks in free agency (I doubt it) or demands a trade (I'd be pretty surprised)

[vnodnarb]

i really doubt attendance would suffer if we brought in one of the most exciting players in the game

[Chief Knockahoma]

i don't see a Francoeur for Willis trade happening...but i wouldn't complain if it did happen.

[lavell12]

If we do this deal we most certainly sign AJ to a new deal. It would put our outfield in a really bad position if we trade Jeff and don't sign AJ.

[Adam's Army]

it wont happen and shouldnt. but i wouldnt mind getting dontrelle for someone else

[Vuchato]

how about Andruw for Ervin Santana for Carl Crawford for Dontrelle Willis.

[FalconPride]

How about Andruw for young pitching and call it a day?

[RedneckParamedic]

how about resign aj and steal willis?

[Zack]

Francoeur and McCann are the next Chipper, Andruw, and Smoltz of this ballclub. They will be the face of the franchise for many years to come.

[Adam's Army]

not andruw either. what is dontrelle's price tag?