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Royals' Jeff Francoeur Could Fill Giants OF Role After Melky Cabrera Suspension

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports notes that Jeff Francoeur could be a trade target for the San Francisco Giants to fill Melky Cabrera's outfielder spot.

By Adam Stites
BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 26: Jeff Francouer #2 of the Kansas City Royals celebrates a win after a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 26, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 26: Jeff Francouer #2 of the Kansas City Royals celebrates a win after a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 26, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Following a 50-game suspension for outfielder Melky Cabrera, the San Francisco Giants are in desperate need of a replacement outfielder as they continue a hunt for the NL West division title. Among the potential solutions is Royals outfielder Jeff Francoeur, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

The 28-year-old received a two-year extension from the Royals in August 2011, but has seen his production drop off during the 2012 season. His batting average this season is .242, compared with .285 last season, and has recorded just 33 RBIs, well off his pace of last season's 87.

Aug. 31 is the trade deadline in the MLB, but trade activity in August is usually slim because the non-waiver deadline is July 31. However, as Rosenthal notes, Francoeur's $6.75M contract and lackluster production in 2012 mean he's likely to clear waivers.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Kansas City. For more on the Royals, make sure to check out the discussion and analysis over at Royals Review.