Jeff Francouer Interview - Part 1 of 2

[RTBP]

I had to break it up into 2 posts because the board wouldn't let me post the whole thing.......to many characters. Here is part 1:




ORLANDO, Fl. - The first thing you notice about Braves right fielder Jeff Francoeur this spring is that he's thicker. Seventeen pounds heavier, thanks to his off-season work at a camp that prepares college football players for the NFL scouting combine.

Francoeur, 24, hit 29 home runs in 2006 but only 19 last season — a decline that bothered him, even though he increased his doubles total from 24 to 40 and produced a near-identical slugging percentage.

The player known as "Frenchy" is intent on becoming a star. He shared his thoughts on everything from his evolving offensive game to his enduring affection for football to the stain of the Steroid Era in a recent interview at the Braves' training complex.

Q: Why did you put on the weight?

A: Home runs. To be able to drive the ball. I think I've given up on the idea that I'm going to steal 30 or 40 bags a year. I'm really looking to put my last two seasons together and have a big year this year. I don't think there's any reason I can't.

I made huge strides offensively last year in (plate) discipline. Talking to Glav (Tom Glavine), we were playing golf down here, he just said how differently the Mets pitched me in the last two years. Compared to 2006, last year they said, "We've got to start throwing him strikes. We've got to pitch him. We just can't throw it up there."

For me, that's good. I'm making pitchers think more, forcing them to throw strikes. I don't think there's any reason I shouldn't hit 30 to 35 home runs.

Q: How much are you still focused on improving your plate discipline?

A: My goal has been to go 10 or 15 walks up in the next two or three years, every year. Last year, I had 42 (up from 23 in '06). This year, I want to get to about 60 or so and keep moving up.

I would love to walk about 80 times a year. I know I'm too aggressive to get into the 100 range. But to be able to do that would be something that would be big for me. And that's when I will be able to hit .310, that kind of average.

Q: What is your reaction to all the talk out of the Phillies' and Mets' camps this spring?

Jeff Francoeur bulked up after his homer total fell to 19 roundtrippers in '07. (David J. Phillip / Associated Press)

A: It was great the other day listening to Chipper (Jones). We were talking while we were all stretching. He said, "Don't get me wrong, they've had some good years. But come talk when you've won 14 in a row."

I ran around this camp the other day behind everybody, looking at the names on the backs of everyone's jerseys. I think we've got a pretty damn good team here. I don't see any reason why we won't be leading the East or be right there come September.

Q: So, are you the team to beat?

A: (laughing) I'm not going to say we're the team to beat. I'm not like that. I can tell you this: They're going to have to play us and they're going to have to beat us to win the East. I don't see any reason why, if (Mike) Hampton and our guys stay healthy, that we won't have the best (rotation).

Q: How much will the Braves miss Andruw Jones?

A: It's different in the clubhouse already, just because Andruw is such a funny guy, always joking, always ragging people. But I've been around (Mark) Kotsay now. I like what he brings to the table. I like his enthusiasm. I like the way that he runs after balls even just in B.P.

There's not going to be another Andruw Jones in Atlanta. Let's be honest. He's one of a kind defensively. But I feel like we'll be good enough. We're going to miss him, no doubt. But we'll get by.

Q: You lead the majors with 45 outfield assists since your debut on July 7, 2005. Do you expect teams to continue to run on you?

A: There are certain situations where teams are going to run on you. A lot of times you get two outs, and they're going to go on you. But for me, I love that. I love when a team tries to run on you. It's the fun part. That's why you play outfield. Half the time, you just catch flyballs and that's it. I would imagine my assists would start going down. I would think they would. If they don't, that's fine with me.