ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Jeff Francoeur was asked Monday what he brings to this Rangers team.
"Well, a nice beard for one, I'll tell you that," Francoeur said. "So-so beard? All right."
The truth is: That's exactly what he brings in the clubhouse. He has an ability to poke fun and relax those around him. That should come in very useful with the Rangers trying to bounce back after losing both games at home this past weekend.
"I look forward to just kind of keeping everybody loose in the clubhouse, having fun," Francoeur said, smiling as always. "I'm a high-energy guy, and then I bring a lot of experience obviously, and I've played in some big games, played in the playoffs before."
Francoeur certainly didn't look caught up in the moment as he talked to reporters on Monday. The jovial outfielder will be on the field in Game 5, just as he was in Game 1, when he had a run-scoring double off starter David Price. Francoeur hit .300 in 120 at-bats off lefties in the regular season. General manager Jon Daniels wanted another right-handed bat option for the playoffs and Francoeur has provided it.
Off the field, he'll continue to be sure and lighten the mood.
"We were on the road and it might have took him about 10 minutes to fit in, to feel comfortable, and for guys to feel like he's part of the team," teammate Ian Kinsler said about Francoeur when he was traded to the club on Aug. 31 in Kansas City. "It was pretty crazy. He's got a great personality. He's not scared to say what he's thinking and he just fit in perfect with us. I think as far as the clubhouse and in the dugout, he's basically perfect for our team. And obviously he he can hit lefties pretty well."