Francoeur Eager to Begin 2008 Season
March 30, 2008
Coming off a 2007 season where he hit .293 with 105 RBI and won his first career Gold Glove, Jeff Francoeur is looking for more in 2008.
Playing in all 162 games for the second straight season, Francoeur improved in nearly every statistical category in 2007, including batting average, runs, hits, doubles, RBI walks, stolen bases and on-base percentage. Although his home run total dropped from 19 to 29, Francoeur’s overall offensive production increased, and he is poised for an even bigger season in 2008.
The Braves missed the playoffs for the second straight year in 2007, after winning 14 straight division titles. The Phillies won the National League East in 2007 with a 89-73 record, followed by the New York Mets (88-74) and Braves (84-78). But Francoeur thinks that Atlanta will contend in 2008.
"I'm not going to sit here and make predictions, but I feel like our team is just as good as the other two teams in our division," Francoeur told MLB.com. "When I ran today, I was looking at all the names on the back [of the jerseys] and I was like, 'We've got a pretty good team.'"
Francoeur and the Braves open the 2008 season on Sunday, March 30 at 8:05 p.m. in Washington, D.C. The game will be nationally televised by ESPN. The Braves’ home opener comes the next day, Monday, March 31, at 7:10 p.m. against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
