Francoeur joining FOX Sports as analyst for Braves games

Jeff Francoeur will make the transition from journeyman outfielder to analyst on Atlanta Braves games next month, FOX Sports South announced Friday.

"We are excited to add Jeff to our Braves telecasts on FOX Sports," executive producer Randy Stephens said. "He has the knowledge, experience and personality to be a first class broadcaster and, as an Atlanta native, he knows firsthand what the Braves mean to the community."

Nicknamed "Frenchy," the 33-year-old Francoeur played 12 seasons in the big leagues for eight different clubs. As a promising 21-year-old, he debuted with the Braves in 2005 and placed third in Rookie of the Year voting that season thanks to one of the hottest first months a player has ever had in the majors, posting a 1.326 OPS through his first 15 games.

After 631 games, and massive slumps near the end, the Braves traded him to the New York Mets. He would go on to spend time with the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, and Miami Marlins, as well as a brief reunion with the Braves.

While terms of the new deal are not known, the former 23rd overall pick in the 2002 draft will make his broadcast debut on June 5 when the Braves host the Phillies. Francoeur will appear in select games for FOX Sports South and FOX Sports Southeast beyond that.

The Braves are 31 games into their inaugural season in their new stadium in Cobb County. SunTrust Park is averaging over 30,000 fans so far this year, ranking the Braves 12th in team attendance despite currently being in last place.