Francoeur’s Arbitration and ’09 Season

Written by Colin on January 21, 2009 – 11:59 pm

It’s not breaking news, but if you didn’t know, the Braves and Jeff Francoeur traded salary arbitration figures yesterday. The interesting thing is that there’s a $1.15 million discrepancy in their figures. Francoeur wants $3.95 million, and the Braves are offering $2.8 million. We’ll see if they come to an agreement before arbitration next month or battle it out in front of a third party.

Either way, I’d like to point out that Francoeur made $460,000 last year. While that’s not pocket change, let’s look at the difference in what he made last year and what the Braves are offering him this year – $2.3 million. Last year he batted only .239 with just 11 home runs and 71 RBIs. Now, I’ve been trading emails and thoughts with a few people, and the question has been primarily “Will he turn it around or is last year going to repeat itself?” 

Frankly, the Braves would NOT under any circumstances offer him $2.8mil if they thought he wasn’t going to turn it around. Francoeur will be back, people. He’s made adjustments to his swing (mostly focusing on keeping his hands back, staying balanced, and having a shorter stride), and he’s lost weight. Francoeur will be back this year, and I can’t wait to see it. He’s a great guy, a hometown personality, and I want to see him succeed. I’m not going to predict numbers, but I’m not alone in thinking he’ll be back.

In a bit of other news today, the Braves are working their way towards establishing a new radio broadcast team to replace Pete Van Wieren and Skip Caray.  Pete retired at the end of last season following Skip’s unexpected death.  According to a few sources, the Braves are in talks with the Washington Nationals to bring Don Sutton back to Atlanta after a two-year absence.

Sutton served as an announcer in Atlanta from 1996-2006 before heading north to serve as a member of the Nationals’ broadcast team for the past two seasons.  Though he still has two years left on his contract with the Nationals, many of Sutton’s colleagues have indicated that he would love the opportunity to return to the Braves organization.

The Braves have already hired Jim Powell, who has been a part of the Brewers’ broadcast team the past 13 years, to be the second member of the radio duo.  


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Pete Van Wieren Retires

Written by Colin on October 21, 2008 – 10:38 am

It’s with regret that we move into a new era of Braves radio announcers. Skip passed away earlier this year. Now, we won’t get any more of his partner, Pete Van Wieren, either.

Van Wieren announced his retirement today after 33 seasons as a Braves announcer.  Pete is in good health and wants to take more time to spend with his family. For the past two years, Pete served as the play-by-play announcer for every game played.

I don’t know about you guys, but listening to the Braves isn’t going to be the same next season.  When Skip died I thought I’d get by on Pete and Chip, or some other combination, but this is a lot of change at once.  Sure, watching the games won’t change, and TV won’t be affected THAT much, but the radio coverage of the game will be changed… Not just will we not have the award winning Bobby Cox show and color commentary, but we’ll miss Pete’s excellent play-by-play announcing.

Pete, take care, good buddy. Come back every now and then so we can get a taste. And at least show up opening day to wave goodbye. This community really appreciates your contribution to the Braves and your dedication and recognizable voice will be missed.


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