Bodog Beat

The Atlanta Braves have sent RF Jeff Francoeur to the minors. (AP Images)

There was a time when Jeff Francoeur was going to be the next big star of the Atlanta Braves.

Today, though, will not be that time.

In news that rocked the organization and Francoeur himself, the Braves have optioned the struggling RF to Double-A Mississippi. When told the news, the Atlanta native was clearly upset.

"This has really put a damper on my relationship with the Atlanta Braves," Francoeur told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "I love playing for the city, I love playing for the fans and always have. But I'm disappointed with the decision and how the whole process went down. I do not agree with this."

A statement released Friday morning by Braves team spokesman Brad Hainje said: "It was discussed with Jeff that this move will allow him to get at-bats in a less pressurized environment. Francoeur will re-join the major league club following the upcoming All-Star break."

Wow. So how will the Braves react to the news that their Golden Boy has been sent down to the farm? Tonight, the Braves will take on the Houston Astros as Tim Hudson (-185) goes to the hill against Brian Moehler (+165). For this game and all MLB baseball betting, check out the Bodog Sportsbook!