Jeff Francoeur will again man right field for the Kansas City Royals. General manager Dayton Moore said Wednesday that while the Royals are open to adding players, Francoeur will again be a key part of the Royals in 2013.
Francoeur had the worst season of his career in 2012 as he batted just .235 with 16 home runs and 49 RBI. Francoeur who is known as a free swinger managed an on base percentage of .287 and his defense was suspect at times.
“Jeff is not a dummy,” manager Ned Yost said. “He knew it was a rough year for him last year, and he knew he needed to bounce back. He worked diligently this winter for that to happen. I’ve got a real good feeling he’s going to come into spring training and put together a very productive year for us.”
The Royals are hoping that Francoeur returns to the form that made him so valuable to the club in 2011. That season Francoeur hit .285/.329/.479 while hitting 20 home runs and stealing 22 bases.
