Braves, Mets swap struggling outfielders Church, Francoeur

NEW YORK -- The free-falling Mets finally made a move, trading Ryan Church to the Atlanta Braves for Jeff Francoeur and cash Friday in a swap of outfielders who had fallen out of favor with their teams.

The rare deal between NL East rivals came with both teams below .500. The Mets are desperate for a spark with stars Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes and Carlos Delgado on the disabled list and also are looking toward 2010, preferring Francoeur's right-handed bat and strong throwing arm in right at spacious Citi Field.

The Mets receive $270,218 as part of the trade to equalize salaries.

Church is hitting .280 with two home runs and 22 RBIs. A solid right fielder with a good arm, he got off to a terrific start last year in his first season with the Mets before he was slowed by a second concussion. Church collided with teammate Marlon Anderson during spring training, then was accidentally kneed in the head by Braves shortstop Yunel Escobar while trying to break up a game-ending double play at Atlanta on May 20.

-- AP