Francoeur Deal: What Did The Mets Just Accomplish Here?

By now we all know of the trade the Mets made; probably not the one fans were envisioning to right the ship and save this season (was/is there such a trade out there?), but FINALLY a deal nonetheless.

But what have the Mets really accomplished with this deal? On the surface it looks like a sideways move. Right fielder Jeff Francoeur for right fielder Ryan Church. Swapped straight up. In the same division.

Do you think that one team would have dealt with the other if they felt they weren’t getting equal value for the player they gave up? Of course not.

The only hope Mets fans have – and this is undoubtedly was what HAD to be going through Omar Minaya’s mind – was that somehow Francoeur can revert back to his “rising star” status circa 06-07.

It was during those two seasons that Francoeur NEVER missed a game and averaged the following season: .276 batting average / 24 home runs / 104 RBI and a Gold Glove in ’07.

But as we know, Francoeur fell out of favor in his hometown Atlanta after a terrible 2008 and now a slow start in ‘09. What reason do we have to believe that he will suddenly snap back into shape – especially under the intense scrutiny of New York….and this sinking ship of a season in particular?

I think the saving grace for this trade will be Jeff Francoeur’s EXCEPTIONAL defensive talent. The guy is one of the steadiest right fielders in the game and he has a cannon of an arm, as well.

In the worst case scenario - that he continues to struggle mightily at the plate – Francoeur’s glove might prove enough of an asset to justify continuing to pencil him in the lineup. And Lord knows this team needs a defensive upgrade in the worst way.

The reality though, is that MUCH is going to be asked of Francoeur – a guy with a career on base percentage of .308. If he continues to get on base at that rate, he will most certainly NOT be the answer the Mets are looking for in this deal.

Here’s to hoping that this trade works out in the Mets favor; best case scenario – the opposite of the Scott Kazmir/Victor Zambrano deal (Ouch, I know that one still stings, Met fans!). Imagine the steal of a deal this will turn out to be if Francoeur figures it out and turns into the Jeff Francoeur of old.

But as of right now, this moves looks to me like a trade for trade’s sake. Maybe not the deal that will get the Mets over the top, but also not the trade that will mortgage the future for a chance at contending today.

And hey, best case scenario……(just sayin’!)

Matt Estreich for The Huddle