When do you place a falling star in a minor-league galaxy?
What: Two prominent big leaguers, Philadelphia opening-day starter Brett Myers and Braves Gold Glover Jeff Francoeur, were shipped to the minor leagues for major repair work.
When: The eye-widening moves occurred last week, with Myers heading to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs and Francoeur optioned to Double-A Mississippi. They were shocked, angry and disappointed, underscoring the dangers of this move. Myers is the first opening-day starter to be sent down since Montreal’s Floyd Youmans in 1989. It provides compelling evidence of just how convenient Jeff Francis’ shoulder tightness was for the Rockies. It kept them from dealing with the awkward question of what to do with him had he continued to slump. Myers accepted the assignment because the Phillies are winning, and, at some point, they are going to need him. Francoeur wasn’t as agreeable. He’s more Iron Man than Iron Pig, missing only two starts the past three seasons. It won’t be easy correcting major swing problems in the minors, where he’s a reluctant tourist and will make it a good day for every pitcher who strikes him out.
Renck’s take: Regardless of what the talent evaluators of the two teams say, these decisions come with huge risks. What if they also fail in the minors, further shredding their confidence? That’s unlikely for Myers. He should be fine without the neon glare. He’s overhauling his delivery, and a major-league mound is no place to be with your head under the hood. The question is whether he will ever buy into starting, given his Nickelback thirst to be a “Rockstar” closer. Francoeur suggested his demotion will impact his future relationship with the Braves. He wasn’t happy last winter when the Braves didn’t make a serious long-term contract offer. Both have to remember that they control attitude and effort. It makes no sense to pout. Show the club how ridiculous this move was through improved performance.
