Hi, J.P. Pelzman filling in for Steve [all this weekend]. Obviously, both the Mets and Atlanta are hoping that a change of scenery will turn around their struggling RFs. GM Omar Minaya made it clear he believes the righty-swinging Jeff Francoeur will be a better fit at Citi Field than lefty-hitting Ryan Church, and he also admitted he wanted to 'change it up' a little bit considering the way the Mets are struggling.
To his credit, Church took the high road out the door, although he admitted his post-concussion treatment could have been 'handled a little different.' [He's right about that, of course.] But that's as controversial as he got, and he said he had no hard feelings toward manager Jerry Manuel, who was accused of placing Church in his doghouse, and GM Omar Minaya.
FWIW, I understand the Mets' reasoning behind the move, but I don't know, obviously, whether Francoeur will be able to duplicate his early form with the Braves. Certainly the righty should enjoy Citi Field more than lefty Church did as a hitter, as the ballpark is fairer for RH hitters than LH ones.
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