If you haven’t heard the trade rumors surrounding Jeff Francoeur, you may want to think about climbing out from the rock you live under. The Braves outfield production is abysmal to say the least. But should the Braves react and trade Frenchy and other future stars again to try to make a run this year?

I have heard so many different names that the Braves should go after. Matt Holliday, Brad Hawpe, half the Royals lineup, Magglio Ordonez.  But are any of those guys going to put the struggling lineup on their back? (We’re not talking about Manny Ramirez w/ the Dodgers last year). Are we going to try to get that one guy and make a run, even though he may walk at the end of the year? Is it worth sending future stars for a rental player? (See Mark Teixeira deal in 2007). Granted the Braves outfield is not producing but is Frenchy the biggest problem?

I don’t think the Braves benefit from trading Francoeur. I am just as disappointed with the “new” approach Jeff has taken to hitting as any Braves fan. I saw some nice signs early in the season, but it seems he is back to his old ways: swinging on the first pitch no matter what, totally missing pitches out of the zone, and trying to hit homers instead of being patient and take what is given.

I say send Frenchy to the minors. What is the harm in that? He has to correct his hitting issues or he’s out on the first flight leaving Hartsfield-Jackson. Let’s make sure this time he stays down for more than 2 days, even if injuries occur. Let’s give him the chance to settle down and gain some confidence in his swing. I mean the kid is 25, with only 3 full seasons in the bigs. Pitchers know how to pitch him and he helps pitchers by swinging at bad pitches.

Francoeur is not the only Braves outfielder struggling. Jordan Schafer is hitting .209, with 57 Ks in 153 ABs. But he has never hit past AA and hid glove has actually saved runs when you think about it. I still like the Anderson-Diaz platoon in LF. Diaz is .414 in May with 9 runs and 5 RBIswhile splitting time. Garrett Anderson is serviceable against RHP.

So who is the answer in RF?

I would love for the Braves to bring up Jason Heyward. But I think they would go with Brandon Jones. He was up earlier this season when Anderson was on the DL. Heyward has the ability to hit for power, average, and can steal some bases. I think the Braves should start playing some young guys and let them gain experience. (Hello….Tommy Hanson…goodbye Jo-Jo Reyes). The Braves seem to always make the desperate move to make a run. Newsflash: It’s not the 90s anymore. We need to grow our farm system and produce talent…not waste it.

As for Francoeur, let’s see if he really has the skills and determination to get out of this slump and be the player all the Braves fans (and Sports Illustrated covers) thought he could be.