RealGM

During the offseason, Francoeur worked with Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton in an attempt to improve his offensive approach from both a mental and physical perspective. With Pendleton providing a constant reminder that right field wasn't in foul territory, the right-handed-hitting outfielder began to feel comfortable with a slightly crouched stance that's intended to allow him to see pitches longer and consequently give him the ability to drive pitches to the opposite field.

About two weeks before the All-Star break, Francoeur truly began finding comfort with this new stance. Without coincidence, he's hit .371 with a .414 on-base percentage in his past 34 games.