A Former Atlanta Braves Player Has Been Released, Should Braves Reach Out?

Apr 8, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Juan Francisco (25) connects for a base hit in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins on opening night at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

According to the Senior Director of Media Relations for the Milwaukee Brewers, Mike Vassallo, the team has released former Atlanta Braves third baseman Juan Francisco from the team.

Now I’m not trying to start rumors that the Braves are interested in purchasing Francisco’s contract but when I did see his name being released, I couldn’t help but think this could help the Braves.

With the moves the Braves made today with Joey Terdoslavich, Jose Constanza and Ryan Buchter going to Triple-A Gwinnett and infielders Tyler Greene and Tommy La Stella being re-assigned – this pretty much sums it up that Tyler Pastornicky will be given the last roster spot for the Braves.

Pastornicky trying to recover from injury, may not be ready for a bench role come opening day.  Even then, is his bat worth a bench spot?  Since he probably wouldn’t be the first to come off the bench with an infield position of need since Ramiro Pena is back.

Francisco is still only 26-years-old and probably hasn’t hit his prime years yet.  A solid power bat off the bench could be something Fredi Gonzalez would like to have.  Remember, we don’t have Gattis coming off the bench this year.  Ryan Doumit would be the only source of power in a pinch hit position.

Juan has batted exceptionally well this spring with a slash line of .346/.500/.731 with three home runs, six RBIs and eight walks.

Francisco was with the organization previous in 2012 and a part of 2013.  He was traded for Thomas Keeling after Chris Johnson had secured the third base position.

My take, Braves put in a phone call to see how much it would take to get Juan Francisco back in a Braves uniform.