| Douglas Benton. 10th August, 2005 - 7:32 pm
 Atlanta Braves? outfielder Jeff Francoeur has taken the major leagues by storm. After his midseason call-up from Double-A Mississippi, Francoeur has batted .432 with eight home runs and 32 RBI in just 23 games. Francoeur has always been one of the Braves highest rated prospects, but now he is taking his game to the next level in an effort to follow in the footsteps of phenoms past.
Just like Miguel Cabrera and Francisco Rodriguez did in 2003 and 2002 respectively, Jeff Francoeur has the chance to jump onto the national landscape by helping his team reach the promise land that is October. Rodriguez was a September call-up in 2002 and bloomed into the most feared set-up man in the game by the time the Angels had defeated the San Francisco Giants in seven games. Then 2003 rolled around and a 20-year old Miguel Cabrera helped lead the Marlins on their improbable run that would be highlighted by his opposite field home run off Roger Clemens in Game four of the World Series. Now the same fate awaits 21 year old Jeff Francoeur.
Even with Chipper Jones in the line-up, the Braves still lack the necessary punch they need in the playoffs. Enter Francoeur, who has already shown the knack for hitting for both average and power, as well as having a keen sense for the strike zone. With so much ability at such a young age, Francoeur is already drawing comparisons to former Braves great Dale Murphey. Even Chipper Jones has dubbed him with the nickname, ?Smurf.?
Francoeur has also shown great prowess in the field, which was highlighted by him throwing out two guys in a recent game in Cincinnati. While it is too early to tell for the long term, Francoeur has the makings of a classic five-tool player and an excellent athlete. He did receive a scholarship to play football at Clemson.
In the end, the Lilburn, Georgia native will have to show that he too can shine bright on baseball?s brightest stage. However, with his big smile that has lit a fire under his teammates, it isn?t a question of if, but when Jeff Francoeur will become the next October star.
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