Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Outside the Box, Part 7: Convert Jeff Francoeur to Pitcher

I don't know if this has ever been discussed, and it is probably ridiculous, but... why not? This snippet from NYBD made me think of it:
Carter is almost certainly better, and actually strikes me as a decent alternative in right field, should Jeff Francoeur continue hitting like he has (.143/.200/.221 in his last 22 games). Great glove or not, that isn’t close to adequate for the position, unless the position is pitcher.
Jeff Francoeur is having an epic struggle at the plate. The odds of him ever developing into a serviceable corner outfield bat seem slim to none. So what are Jeff Francoeur's strengths? And how do we best leverage them?

Ridiculous cannon for a throwing arm.

Good, positive attitude and clubhouse demeanor.

Athletic.

Can hit a little bit.

Would he really be the world's worst candidate for a two-way player type position? Could he throw hard off a mound? Could be throw strikes? I have no idea -- but I'd love to find out.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know for a fact that he had a 98 mph fastball in HS.

Brian Mangan said...

Well hello Mets future set-up man/Brooks Kieshnick! He's got to be as good as Bobby Parnell, right?