The native son returns: Jeff Francoeur signs deal with Braves
It happens in every epic tale: The Godfather, Finding Nemo, that Carmelo Anthony-Diddy video from a few years back. The central character comes home after a long time away to rediscover, recoup and retain their place atop their hometown's crest. Well, Atlanta, 14 years after you drafted him, Jeff Francoeur is doing just that:
The Braves signed the Georgia native to a Minor League deal on Monday. As you probably know, Francoeur was drafted by Atlanta in the 2002 Draft, rose to uber-prospect status and spent 4 1/2 years with the team. His first MLB hit in his first MLB game was a home run:
He unleashed some speed-defying throws:
And some Gary Thorne-defying throws:
He finished third in ROY voting, won a Gold Glove in 2007 and averaged 18 homers and 80 RBIs per season. Now, after seven years, six teams, legendary Minor League pranking, some more good throwing and whatever this was, the 32-year-old has returned. Let's hope that Spring Training headshot looks as fresh as it did in 2005:
