The foreign route might have made some sense if he actually wanted to bank a little more money, but I don't think it's about that. I suspect part of the reason he was released so quickly is both sides never had any intention of having him spend much time in AAA, so I kinda doubt he's up for the independent grind.
Of course we don't know what his family situation is (meaning his wife, not the parents/brother) but I gotta think he could have at least gone to spring training with another team had he been quicker to take a minor league deal, and less geographically selective. The Braves were super convenient for him, extended ST was close to home, Georgia not far, AAA team right there as well. So as much as it seems like he wants to play, it doesn't seem like he'll do anything to play. Part of the denial, really, you still think you're too good to do (or just too old to put up with) what someone like Francoeur did. Truth is, it's impressive he outlasted so many of his teammates, including the younger Victorino (and a slew of pitchers), even if that longevity was largely contractual
