Braves Send Faltering Francoeur to Minors

Saturday, July 5, 2008; Page E07 The Braves decided their hometown favorite needed to get away from home -- and away from the major leagues -- to work his way through the worst slump of his career. OF Jeff Francoeur, hitting only .234, was sent to Class AA Mississippi yesterday and told he'd be recalled within three weeks. GM Frank Wren and Manager Bobby Cox said the move is not a demotion. "We look at it as stepping back for a few days and decompressing and getting his game going again," Wren said. "It gives him the ability to do that." Francoeur was told of the decision after he was booed at home Thursday night when he went 0 for 4. He hit .206 in June and is 1 for 12 in three games this month. Francoeur hit .293 with 19 homers and 105 RBI last season. This year, he has eight homers and 41 RBI. The Braves purchased Jason... [read full story]