Mets Swap Francouer for Arias

[Elite]

The Rangers and Mets swapped players they no longer needed tonight, exchanging Jeff Francoeur and Joaquin Arias. Francoeur was no longer a fit in New York, and suggested this summer that he would welcome a trade. Last week, the Rangers designated Arias for assignment (to make room for former Met Alex Cora, of all people), so they weren't relying on him any more than the Mets relied on Francoeur.

About $897K remains on Francoeur's contract, but the Mets will pay most of that. The 26-year-old is hitting just .236/.293/.369 in 443 plate appearances, so he was a non-tender candidate on the Mets and remains one on the Rangers

Like most right-handed hitters, Francoeur has markedly better numbers against left-handed pitching, both for his career (.820 OPS) and in 2010 (.767 OPS). David Murphy struggles against left-handers, so the Rangers needed a right-handed complement to Murphy, especially given Nelson Cruz's hamstring and Josh Hamilton's knee.

The Rangers acquired Arias as part of the 2004 Alfonso Soriano-Alex Rodriguez trade. Arias did have a solid 2008 campaign as a reserve for the Rangers, but this year he hit just .276/.290/.347 in 101 plate appearances so they no longer needed the 25-year-old.

ESPN's Adam Rubin first reported that the Rangers were considering Francoeur and Jon Heyman of SI.com reported (via Twitter) that the sides were actively discussing a deal involving Francoeur and Arias. Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and others also reported on the deal via Twitter.

Source: MLBTR

 

[Elite]

FML, I put this in AL East instead of NL East, can someone move it?

 

[snipezo]

Not much of a boost for the Rangers. He'd be a decent 4th outfielder I guess.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

FML, I put this in AL East instead of NL East, can someone move it?

hm, wish I could... haha.


As for the topic, I'm not too impressed with the deal but I do understand the motive. Francouer wasn't much use off the bench and isn't useful as an every day starter. I like his position as a clubhouse leader but the guy is just an erratic swinger who swings at everything. For instance last night at one point late in the game they had bases loaded. Pitcher had given up a base hit then walked two batters in a row. Francouer comes to the plate and swings at the first two pitches... it's just pathetic.

Now I don't care much for this Arias guys. I've read that he makes pretty great, difficult plays but also botches simple plays that little league kids could make. Hes not an all-around hitter by any means. Just over 100 plate appearances this year and he drew 2 walks. But in those 101 plate appearances hes batting .273 and has only struck out 17 times.

He's basically just an extra infielder since Castillo and Tejada suck and Reyes is currently injured -- he's a utility infielder and thats the only reason they got him.

Glad for Francouer though -- not the best hitter but he's ok and has a great personality, hopefully he does well in the Playoffs with Texas. Guy seemed incredibly happy last night after the game.