Simply The Best

You're simply the best, better than all the rest
Better than anyone, anyone...
~Tina Turner ~

Who leads all Outfielders in assists since 2005? Not only does he lead all Outfielders in assists, but the next closest on the list has 12 less assists.

The answer is simple. Born, raised, and started his career in Georgia, but now calls Queens his home. He is Mets RF Jeff Francoeur.



He has averaged almost 12 OF assists annually. He is so well respected that runners fail to test him like they used to. A lot of that is his rep.

Known not just for a strong arm, but an accurate arm that can usually get to the catcher the fly or on a sharp true bounce.

Former Met teammate Brian Schneider once said:

"Only one problem with Frenchy's thows. Almost every one, if right on the money, he's gonna get me killed."

Francoeur gets charged when runners challenge his golden right arm:

"It's such a cool part of the game. I like it because I do it well. But I'd like it even if I didn't. You don't see it as much as you used to, so when it does happen, it's just cool."

With the reduced attempts against his rocket arm, Francoeur now will throw behind the runner, trying to catch them either napping or leaning the wrong way.

Still though, Francoeur drools at the chance to gun a runner down:

"I wish they'd send more guys. I love killing a rally and helping my pitcher, helping my team. You thrown out someone at the plate or at third, you take away scoring position, you might take away their momentum in that inning. I get a real feeling of satisfaction when a guy stares at me after I've gunned him down."

This is why Francoeur is so vital to this team. It's not just his arm, but his attitude. He loves the game, and embraces competition.

Atlanta's loss is our gain.

Simply put, it's not just Jeff who loves gunning runners down, it's us fans who love watching him do so.

Source: Marty Noble - MLB.com