Jeff Francoeur came to the Mets from the Braves in a trade for Ryan Church last summer. These were two players who had become an enigma with their respective clubs. Both were good defensive outfielders who had shown the ability to hit during the career. For whatever reason, Ryan Church never was a favorite of Mets manager Jerry Manuel and it didn’t help much when he missed tagging third base with the go ahead run last season in Los Angeles.

Likewise Bobby Cox felt it was time for a change of scenery for Francoeur. When Francoeur came on the scene in 2005, it appeared the Braves had created another jewel from their rich farm system. Francoeur, in 70 games during his first season, batted exactly .300 with 14 homeruns and 45 RBI. Plus he had an unbelievable arm. He had 13 assists from right field that year.

It only got better for Francoeur. He played in every single game in 2006 and 2007. He hit 29 and 19 home runs plus 103 and 105 RBI respectively.  Plus in 2007, Francoeur hit 40 doubles and walked 42 times. Francoeur looked like a superstar in the making.

But in 2008 Francoeur began to struggle. His home run total dropped to 11 from 29 and 19 the two years previous. He only batted in 71 runs in 155 games.  Most alarming was Jeff’s batting average that dropped from .293 in 2007 to .239 in 2008. Pitchers began to figure out that the free swinging Francoeur loved to chase balls out of the strike zone. He struck out a lot, even when he was hitting well. But when he stopped being productive, his strikeouts really became a problem.

In the field, Francoeur continued to show off his tremendous arm.  In 2006 as in 2005, he threw out 13 runners from right field. In ’07, Francoeur threw out 19 then 14 in ’08.

Francoeur’s troubles did not improve during the first half of 2009. He managed only five homeruns and was batting .250 with 41 RBI.

Ryan Church was not doing much better with the Mets. In 69 games, he had hit just two homers with 22 RBI but was batting ten points higher than Francoeur at .280.

Mets GM Omar Minaya and Frank Wren got together and decided to swap Church for Francoeur hoping the change of scenery for both players would benefit them and their new teams.

The deal paid off for the Mets but did not for the Braves. Church continued to struggle for Atlanta just about matching his numbers with the Mets. However, Francoeur found new life with the Mets. In 75 games for the Mets, Francoeur batted .311, hit 10 home runs and drove in 41. Plus he hit 20 doubles and even had a couple of triples. And in the field, Francoeur managed to throw out five from right field. Francoeur seemed very happy, always smiling and laughing. It appeared he had found a new home and the Mets were glad to have him.

Francoeur also brought some fresh air to the Mets clubhouse. His outgoing and approachable personality helped to take some of the pressure off of David Wright who always seemed to be the person having to make statements to the press after tough losses. Francoeur’s likable style was in stark contrast to Ryan Church’s aloof personality. And Francoeur is a tough cookie too.

After tearing a ligament in his thumb in late August, Francoeur continued to play. His hot hitting continued and he played to the end of the season proving he was a gamer. After the season, he had his thumb surgically repaired and is playing in pre-season games showing no ill effects.

The question everyone is asking is which one is the real Jeff Francoeur? Is it the one who had two great seasons in Atlanta and appeared to show up when he arrived at Citi Field? Or is it the one who struggled and could not lay off of pitches out of the strike zone?  That’s what we will find out in 2010.

The one thing Mets fans can feel good about is that Francoeur says he feels more relaxed in New York believe it or not. He loves the energy of the City and the passion of the fans. Plus being away from his home town of Atlanta and his family may have taken a certain amount of pressure off of Francoeur.

I like Francoeur and applauded the trade when it was made. Church was not the player to make a difference on the Mets. I’m not sure Francoeur is either but he is five years younger and has a much larger upside than Church. The deal was a no brainer for the Mets. But on the other hand, Frank Wren and the Braves seldom make mistakes when it comes to player moves and they have the track record to prove it.

Never the less, Jeff Francoeur will be the Mets right fielder in 2010. He will have a contract coming up after this season. With Fernando Martinez waiting in the wings, Jason Bay under contract for three more years after this one, and Carlos Beltran with one year left on his seven year deal, Francoeur will have to have a heck of a year to be around come 2011. This is one Mets fan that is hoping he does.