The Frenchy Quarter adjusts without Frenchy

ST. LOUIS -- Being ejected in the second inning of Thursday night's game at least afforded some light moments for Royals right fielder Jeff Francoeur.

He was tossed on Frenchy Quarter Thursday, when fans can buy special tickets to get a seat, a T-shirt and Mardi Gras beads to cheer him on. He was watching the game later when the TV cameras showed a sign held by a female fan.

"The sign said: 'All I want for my birthday is a Jeff Francoeur-signed baseball,'" Francoeur said with a smile. "And when I got thrown out, about the fourth inning they showed her sign, and she had Jeff Francoeur crossed out and had 'a Mitch Maier-signed baseball.' "

Maier was his replacement in right field.

Francoeur had an idea for a disclaimer to be printed on tickets sold at future Frenchy Quarter Thursdays.

"What they should put on the ticket next time is, 'Not guaranteed to be here the whole game,'" Francoeur said.