Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,357 comments Add your comment
Tumbledown
November 16th, 2012
2:01 pm
I guess after getting rid of Yunel, the Blue Jays felt like they could easily handle any baggage surrounding Melky.
George_George
November 16th, 2012
2:01 pm
Patrick
November 16th, 2012
1:59 pm
AGREED TOTALLY.
Efrim
November 16th, 2012
2:02 pm
He should be banned from the game!
So should Ryan Braun then, since he’s a “cheater” too!
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
November 16th, 2012
2:03 pm
George_George
“Who would want to play in TOR? It is cold up there.”
The Clubs in Toronto kick #### from what I’ve heard….
ncscoots
November 16th, 2012
2:03 pm
And if I’m the Braves, I am not giving BJ a 6th year
Why not?
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
November 16th, 2012
2:04 pm
Its a Damn Shame that a Player like the Melk Dud gets Rewarded 18 mill after he got busted…Its #### like this as to why a lot of common everyday people refuse to get hustled and spend money to go to games
Gary O.
November 16th, 2012
2:06 pm
Tony austin,
Granted, this is the major leagues and most of the time hitting an infield grounder is going to result in a out, but there is that occasional error or ball lost in the sun or even beating it out..
From a defensive POV though, don’t forget the infield fly rule
and double plays
TennesseePaul
November 16th, 2012
2:07 pm
and what exactly is wrong with what BJ Upton has done the last 8 years? Pretty solid, if you ask me
Now, with that comment I’ve tried. Man have I tried. Many in the past have put forth valiant effort on this but there is no fruit to bear. It’s an apparent short coming in conversational comprehension and retention.
ncscoots
November 16th, 2012
2:08 pm
So should Ryan Braun then, since he’s a “cheater” too!
Cheaters and liars. Worse than sodbusters. And ever’body knows how much I hate sodbusters. Hate their guts and livers.
Efrim
November 16th, 2012
2:08 pm
No one twisted the Blue Jays front office arm to give Melky that money, Tomahawkin. If you’re going to get mad at someone, get mad at the Jays. Or Baseball. Or Entertainment. Actors. Whomever tries to get the most money possible for their talents.
Gary O.
November 16th, 2012
2:09 pm
DOB,
Does the GM talk to other coaches (more specifically, pitching, hitting) to get their inputs about a particular FA target.
For example, given BJ’s low BA and OBP, would Frank Wren talk to the Braves hitting coaches before going after him? Because if the hitting coaches tell Frank that they have noticed something about BJ’s swing, and think they can help him get better, does that play a part in Frank’s decision?
CrαZy
November 16th, 2012
2:09 pm
I’m sure many of the people that bash Melky would do the same thing if they thought it could land a big pay day! Imagine if you could take a pill or shot that suddenly caused you to become the greatest shelf stocker person in the business!! It might land you $12.50 an hour instead of $9.25. You’d do it don’t lie!!
TennesseePaul
November 16th, 2012
2:09 pm
So should Ryan Braun then, since he’s a “cheater” too!
ug. He got off on a technicality. That’s what we all like to see from our heroes… no clarification on the charge, just an acquittal on procedural grounds.
David from Athens, Alabama
November 16th, 2012
2:12 pm
Chipper Jones @RealCJ10
Divorce finalized….had great time with ex-teammates and friends last nite. Happy 18th anny, Tongue and Groove! Keep doing your thang!
CJ is happy!!!!!!
RC
November 16th, 2012
2:12 pm
And if I’m the Braves, I am not giving BJ a 6th year
For me it depends on the AAV. I’d feel better giving a 6-year deal to a 28-year-old Upton than I would giving a 5 year deal to a 31-year-old Bourn.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 16th, 2012
2:14 pm
BJ avg. will stay low I’m sure. Nothing to indicate that they will rise. Just have to hope that he takes more walks, maybe hits a few more XBH, and is willing to play LF.
Mitchie-sand
November 16th, 2012
2:14 pm
16mil? Who said cheaters never win?
Efrim
November 16th, 2012
2:14 pm
I’d try not to go six on BJ, but I really think that’s what it’ll take. It’s risky. Wish we could just trade prospects.
Sell the farm. Go “all in”. Push the chips to the middle of the table Doug Melvin style.
BravePack(FreeFan)
November 16th, 2012
2:15 pm
Between Schafer and his apparent dislike for Upton I think if the Braves signed Bossman Jr TennPaul would go on a major binge to the likes of never hearing from him again.
Half Empty
November 16th, 2012
2:16 pm
Now if he is here just to hit homeruns and provide solid defense in CF then that is a different perspective
except of course that he is not a solid defender
ncscoots
November 16th, 2012
2:16 pm
Sell the farm. Go “all in”.
Efrim has gone from prospect-hugger to The Dark Side.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 16th, 2012
2:17 pm
I’d try to go just 4 guaranteed w/ an option. 5 if necessary. But to give him 6 guaranteed is scary…
Gary O.
November 16th, 2012
2:17 pm
I would not sign Melk Dud this year, because I would be concerned about what kind of (clean) numbers he will put up. A year from now, I would be more open to it, after seeing what his numbers are this season.
ncscoots
November 16th, 2012
2:18 pm
TennPaul would go on a major binge to the likes of never hearing from him again.
You underestimate the man. I believe only an Opening Day lineup of Schafer in CF and leading off would bring forth the cataclysm.
Gary O.
November 16th, 2012
2:18 pm
What’s worse. 3 years, $27 mil for Cody Ross, or 6 years $72 mil for BJ?
Playoffs!!!
November 16th, 2012
2:19 pm
Melky 2 yrs?$16 million. Wow, it really does pay to take steroids. They must think he is still on them. The pre-2012 Melky is about a .245 hitter with little power
Trader Jack
November 16th, 2012
2:19 pm
I would guess Chippers wallet is much lighter today
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 16th, 2012
2:20 pm
Sell the farm. Go “all in”.
Yep. Shoulda added Minor for Pence… done Teheran for Greinke, added whichever prospect the Pirates wanted for McCutchen instead of Nate.
I can be a prospect trader when I want to.
TennesseePaul
November 16th, 2012
2:20 pm
For me it depends on the AAV.
True and structure. I’d front weight that deal. His best production will be early in that contract anyway, might as well structure it to pay him during those years. And this team doesn’t offer no-trade clauses (which will probably be off putting to him anyway). With a front loaded deal, moving him would be easier in later years. Plus it allows you to afford the extensions on your young up-in-comers during there more pricey season. It also would help to dampen a qual offer in future years.
BravePack(FreeFan)
November 16th, 2012
2:20 pm
All Hooter’s girls have been put on high alert.
Jeff R
November 16th, 2012
2:20 pm
I got an email from the Forest City (N.C.) Owls of the Coastal Plain Summer League, to let me know they’ve offered Chipper Jones an assistant coaching job. About 3 months of work, total pay $1500.
I would hope that Chipper becomes a roving hitting instructor in the Braves’ system. He’s got a ton of insight and, of course, experience to offer young hitters.
ncscoots
November 16th, 2012
2:21 pm
What’s worse. 3 years, $27 mil for Cody Ross, or
I didn’t have to read any further.
Jeff R
November 16th, 2012
2:21 pm
Why is my 2:17 pm comment “awaiting moderation?” Hmm?
Bayou Brave
November 16th, 2012
2:21 pm
DOB,
Is there any interest in acquiring Logan Morrison from the Fish?
Jeff R
November 16th, 2012
2:22 pm
Does Bruce Manno have his finger on the “delete” button?
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 16th, 2012
2:22 pm
Cody Ross deal better for me, if just barely. Just in case BJ goes belly up, you’re stuck. High risk, high reward move though.
We already know what Cody does and he’s good at it.
nolie
November 16th, 2012
2:23 pm
none of this really matters, Dec 21 is on the horizon. Did none of youze watch the movie to see what is about to occur???
nolie
November 16th, 2012
2:24 pm
did you use a word that has P*U*T*A in it somewhere? That is a frequent cause Jeff
Ray
November 16th, 2012
2:24 pm
You think there is any possibility that Upton would sign a 3 yr deal? I am strongly guessing no but I would not have any problem with a 3 year deal definitely not more than 5. 3-5 Braves would get Upton in the heart of his prime. If he is going to really do anything, it would be during these years.
wheelz007
November 16th, 2012
2:24 pm
DOB,
Have you heard anything on an extention for Prado? I figure the Braves will try to lock him up for another 4 years.
ncscoots
November 16th, 2012
2:25 pm
Forest City (N.C.) Owls of the Coastal Plain Summer League
FYI, that’s turned into a pretty good summer league. I’ve had a chance to see a number of games, and they’ve really come on in the last couple of years. Not Cape Cod, but a solid league to see some interesting college players.
TennesseePaul
November 16th, 2012
2:25 pm
apparent dislike for Upton
My opinion of Upton is summed up best with this: eh
I don’t think he’s all that amazing. He’s “solid” if one likes that term. “Average” offensively. Certainly not “premium.” And I do not see him putting this club over the top. There really has to be a splash in LF or 3B to truly make up for the loss of Chipper Jones. Upton does not achieve that. Debatable if he even gets this team half way there.
8 years since his debut. He made a splash early in his career but has hit .242/.316/.420/.736 over his last four seasons. It’s been pretty steady at that level of production over that stretch.
old man
November 16th, 2012
2:26 pm
I seem to recall Juan Francisco’s fielding metrics at 3B are better than BJs in CF.
I mean, Francisco looks like a slob, so he must not be able to field, right?
TennesseePaul
November 16th, 2012
2:26 pm
Jeff R, how many hyper links did you include in it?
Efrim
November 16th, 2012
2:27 pm
Efrim has gone from prospect-hugger to The Dark Side
When you have a few chips, and you’re “close” – it’s best just to acquire those two pieces that will set you up for a couple of runs and go for it. I don’t think we’re exactly where the Brewers were, because a lot of it was Melvin seeing Fielder as a goner in two seasons which sparked the Greinke/Marcum deals.
But we certainly are from a prospect standpoint. They had Lawrie, Escobar, Odorizzi, Cain and a bunch of filler(less upside down in the rookie leagues than we have now) – and they pushed those chips into the middle of that poker table. Got them to an NLCS and got them a solid, future SS(who honestly should be a Running Back if he were born in the states).
CB
November 16th, 2012
2:28 pm
Chipper might need that Forest City job after the divorce. LOL
David O'Brien
November 16th, 2012
2:28 pm
Laird deal just became official, team announced after he passed physical.
ncscoots
November 16th, 2012
2:29 pm
I mean, Francisco looks like a slob, so he must not be able to field, right?
I think it has more to do with his glove than his looks.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 16th, 2012
2:30 pm
Metrics show Juan having less range than Chipper did last year… not good. Watch him out there, he isn’t going to be reaching a ton of balls in front of the SS… rather Simmons will be having to go closer to 3B to field some balls.
Prado is a much better 3B. Juan just has a big arm.
JoeyBagOBravos
November 16th, 2012
2:30 pm
TennessePaul:So should Ryan Braun then, since he’s a “cheater” too!
ug. He got off on a technicality. That’s what we all like to see from our heroes… no clarification on the charge, just an acquittal on procedural grounds.
…because Butt Selig is a spineless wimp! He goes whatever the way the wind take him, is afraid to make tough decisions and allows this kind of crap to happen. I can promise Roger Goodell doesn’t run the NFL that way. Baseball is going to be tainted FOREVER unless these cheaters get their due.
ncscoots
November 16th, 2012
2:30 pm
Chipper might need that Forest City job after the divorce. LOL
He can stay at my house, when he comes to town on a road trip.
That ought to seal the deal for the Owls.
TennesseePaul
November 16th, 2012
2:31 pm
Laird deal just became official, team announced after he passed physical.
“He’s got two legs, two arms, he’s good to go we are pleased to announce. Please though, he is sensitive about having two left feet, we ask that you respect his privacy on this matter.”
David O'Brien
November 16th, 2012
2:32 pm
Wren on Laird: “Gerald gives us a proven Major League veteran behind the plate. He was high on our list of off-season goals and we are fortunate to acquire a catcher with his level of experience, not only in the regular season, but also in the postseason.”
Playoffs!!!
November 16th, 2012
2:34 pm
Let’s see: Chipper turns 40—-the middle-age crazy years. He’s newly single.. Hope he doesn’t do anything stupid.
BTW the girls at Tongue and Groove and a step up from the Hooters girls
Bayou Brave
November 16th, 2012
2:35 pm
Dexter Fowler would be a sweet pick up, but his home/road split (like all Rockies) is pretty severe. Not sure that 2012 road slash line of .262/.339/.381 is a sign of great things to come.
TennesseePaul
November 16th, 2012
2:36 pm
Medbox shares surged 3,000% this week — from roughly $4 Monday to $215 Thursday — before falling to $100 after executives sought to dampen investor enthusiasm
Ahhhh it’s good to be king.
Bayou Brave
November 16th, 2012
2:36 pm
Fowler’s 2011 road slash line of .286/.367/.415 pretty dang good though…
Gary O.
November 16th, 2012
2:38 pm
It was mentioned that Laird played in the last 2 WS. But if I’m not mistaken, when we signed Hinske, he had played in 3 straight WS. Unfortunately, Hinske was not able to share his mojo and get us to the series. Maybe Laird will be different
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 16th, 2012
2:38 pm
.262/.339/.381/.720 in ‘12, .286/.367/.415/.782 in ‘11
from 2009 on, he’s put up an OPS of .717, .595, .782, .720. The average of those is .703, about Bourn’s career OPS. Take out the outlier 2010 season, and he’s at 740. He can probably do fine.
old man
November 16th, 2012
2:41 pm
Schaun:
OK, I get it. His away “+” stats are comparing him to other players (90% non-Rockies players) in those non-Coors parks. The Rockies hitters are sort of like Superman, and all the parks except Coors have kryptonite in the locker rooms. Non-Rockies players, not being from krypton, are not affected by it.
Sort of like that?
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 16th, 2012
2:42 pm
Todd Zolecki really said that Upton is a great defender… sigh. Also believes that getting out of the Trop may help BJs numbers even though he hit better there this season.
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=25488135&topic_id=8878972&c_id=atl
CB
November 16th, 2012
2:43 pm
DOB,any mention of Laird’s salary?
tony austin
November 16th, 2012
2:43 pm
6 years for Upton? I wouldn’t even go 6 days.
Upton signs with (insert any team here, except for the Braves) is going to be one of the best days of the offseason.
Shaun
November 16th, 2012
2:46 pm
I don’t think people realize how valuable a player is who can play center even serviceably, has provided above-average production on offense in his career, so far, and is going in to his age 28 season.
No, that’s not a superstar. But that’s a heck of a player. As I’ve been saying, the Braves realize that. The folks who have been critical of Upton for over a year or more do not.
If you like Pagan, you shouldn’t have any issues with Upton. I’m not sure why this is so hard for some.
ncbravesfan90
November 16th, 2012
2:46 pm
Hard to believe that some people are actually saying they would not want BJ Upton on this team. I would hope that we sign him even just to keep him away from the Phills or Nationals, as he would torment us for 5-6 years. The fact is that BJ Upton is the best OF on the FA market this year that’s not named Hamilton.
nolie
November 16th, 2012
2:47 pm
If you like Pagan, you shouldn’t have any issues with Upton. I’m not sure why this is so hard for some.
because it is bullcrap??
ncbravesfan90
November 16th, 2012
2:49 pm
“If you like Pagan, you shouldn’t have any issues with Upton. I’m not sure why this is so hard for some.”
No doubt.
nolie
November 16th, 2012
2:49 pm
that is your opinion nc, not everybody’s, and even if he were the best available that does not make him worth 70 or 75 million dollars
Half Empty
November 16th, 2012
2:50 pm
yes, there is doubt
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 16th, 2012
2:50 pm
The fact is that BJ Upton is the best OF on the FA market this year that’s not named Hamilton.
Just like Pastornicky was our best SS not named Simmons. Doesn’t mean that he’s good.
If you like Pagan, you shouldn’t have any issues with Upton. I’m not sure why this is so hard for some.
Good. I don’t like either.
Half Empty
November 16th, 2012
2:51 pm
scouting the stat line again Shaun??
ncbravesfan90
November 16th, 2012
2:51 pm
BJ Upton has everything Bourn has plus power. Therefore, they will get around the same dollar amount. Not to mention that Upton is 2 years younger than Bourn.
TennesseePaul
November 16th, 2012
2:52 pm
If you like Pagan, you shouldn’t have any issues with Upton. I’m not sure why this is so hard for some.
I’ve been reading this blog… not that many here who like Pagan either.
Efrim
November 16th, 2012
2:52 pm
I think Upton and Pagan are pretty comparable players. Bossman is a couple years younger, so he’ll get the longer/bigger deal.
Efrim
November 16th, 2012
2:53 pm
scouting the stat line again Shaun??
Man, I love that term. Not that I don’t do it as well, but just love to use it.
John Sickels? He scouts stat lines for a living.
nolie
November 16th, 2012
2:53 pm
that is total crap, Bourn is a +30 runs saved defender and Upton ia a – 5 to -10. how anybody can claim that BJ has everything Bourn has is beyond belief
ncbravesfan90
November 16th, 2012
2:54 pm
It’s amazing that some here will say no to BJ Upton in center but will be all for Gattis in LF. Unbelievable.
tony austin
November 16th, 2012
2:55 pm
There is more to being on a baseball team than how a player plays offense or defense. There is the whole “is he a distraction” issue, is he a good teammate, is he willing to do the little things that helps the team to win rather than trying to pad his own numbers and checkbook? You cannot be selfish and expect to be a good teammate and from what I’ve read about Upton it seems he can be selfish.
It would be a great offseason if the Braves would pass on this overrated, high strikeout, low OBP, potentially (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/711895-mlb-power-rankings-the-15-most-selfish-players-in-the-league/page/13) selfish distraction.
Efrim
November 16th, 2012
2:55 pm
BJ Upton has everything Bourn has plus power.
That’s not true. He isn’t the defender Michael is. And I’m not sure about baserunning, but Bourn is pretty good at that too not just SB’s.
Shaun
November 16th, 2012
2:55 pm
old man, not like that at all, really.
TennesseePaul, I think there is a very good chance that Upton and the Braves’ new leftfielder will make up for the losses of Chipper and Bourn.
There is a very good chance Upton plays as well or a little better than Bourn as soon as next season. And compare someone like Willingham to Chipper, in recent seasons. Throw in that McCann will likely be better, that Simmons will help on at least the run-prevention side for the full season and the Braves should be able to absorb the losses of Jones and Bourn.
And I’m going on what is likely, for those who don’t understand probabilities. I realize that it’s possible that McCann doesn’t bounce back. Probable is not the same as possible. Best to go on what is most likely not what is possible.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 16th, 2012
2:56 pm
BJ Upton has everything Bourn has plus power. Therefore, they will get around the same dollar amount. Not to mention that Upton is 2 years younger than Bourn.
BJ doesn’t have defense, hustle, possibly respect, and a good attitude. Bourn had all of those. Bourn has produced for his last 4 years, no one is saying well, he could be better, just hasn’t put it together yet. That’s what’s happening w/ Upton. 4 years of crappy production, but we just excuse it away. Let’s pay this man 14mil a year for 6 years. Oh, but trade Heyward after 1 year of struggle. Geez.
TennesseePaul
November 16th, 2012
2:57 pm
how anybody can claim that BJ has everything Bourn has is beyond belief
BJ might have a little more and maybe in different colors schemes. He’s made over $16M in his career to Bourns $15M.
nolie
November 16th, 2012
2:57 pm
the difference there is that one has not yet had an opportunity to produce at the MLB level and the other has underproduced for almost his entire career. Just how many games have you watched BJ play?
TennesseePaul
November 16th, 2012
2:58 pm
I think there is a very good chance that Upton and the Braves’ new leftfielder will make up for the losses of Chipper and Bourn.
Such optimism. Until they get that left fielder though and sign BJ, it’s all just speculation.
RC
November 16th, 2012
2:59 pm
BJ doesn’t have defense, hustle, possibly respect, and a good attitude.
What are you basing this statement on? I haven’t seen anything negative about Upton in the media….the only thing I’ve seen posted here by someone familiar with the team was that Upton was great in the community.
If you can show me some evidence of this statement, so be it. But to simply declare this without backing it up with an article or quote from some respectable source isn’t acceptable.
Shaun
November 16th, 2012
2:59 pm
Efrim, I think offense will make up the differences in defense and baserunning and make Upton near equal to Bourn in overall value for another year or two. Then we could see a greater split in offensive value, as Bourn gets further in to his 30’s.
Efrim
November 16th, 2012
2:59 pm
BJ can hit home runs. I like that quality. And I hope that a move outta the difficult AL East will help him.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 16th, 2012
2:59 pm
Jon Heyman @JonHeymanCBS
hard to judge reported melky/jays $16M/2 yr deal. if hes star of kc/sf, terrific. if he’s zaftig loser of atl, waste of $
How can any one think BJ is a good defender… have you seen the metrics? Have you watched him play? Spoken to Rays fans??? The guy is bad out there. Just as “bad” as Nate was.
nolie
November 16th, 2012
3:00 pm
He has power which Bourn does not have. other than that he is not better in most any category. and he is definitely worse defensively and attitudinally….
DS1
November 16th, 2012
3:02 pm
Can somebody tell me how to get rid of that darned Meebo toolbar at the bottom of my Firefox. I had gotten rid of it earlier, but I had to get a hard drive rebuild, and the old nemesis is back.
Thanks in advance.
TennesseePaul
November 16th, 2012
3:02 pm
It’s amazing that some here will say no to BJ Upton in center but will be all for Gattis in LF. Unbelievable.
Apples and oranges. Or more likely, you are seeing the opposites of the same opinion. For me, I want more in the outfield than Bourn, BJ, et al. So I’m not thrilled to death that this team is lining up to pay BJ a fortune… And when I hear Cody Ross’s name I have a similar impression… if Ross is the answer, might as well toss Gattis out there and save the money for cheaper beer.
BravoMan
November 16th, 2012
3:04 pm
1. D.Span-LF
2. M.Prado-3B
3. J.Heyward-RF
4. BJ. Upton-CF
5. F.Freeman-1B
6. D.Uggla-2B
7. B.McCann-C
8. A.Simmnons-SS
Does signing Upton really mean we cannot attempt trading for a guy like Fowler or Span? I believe, if Upton signs with us, either one of those players would be a nice complimentary piece as well. You still get the RH power in Upton and will get speed from both parties.
TennesseePaul
November 16th, 2012
3:04 pm
Just as “bad” as Nate was.
Of all I’ve heard, I had not heard his arm was a noodle.
ncbravesfan90
November 16th, 2012
3:05 pm
Just went back and listened to the interview the other day with Frank Wren and Bill Shanks and Wren said this about BJ Upton: More in the lines of what we were use to with Andruw Jones; Power, speed and defense. Wren also said the BJ Upton is regarded as one of, if not the best, centerfielders in the game.
tony austin
November 16th, 2012
3:06 pm
During the 2008 season, Upton was twice disciplined by Rays manager Joe Maddon for lack of hustle. On August 6, Upton was held out of the lineup for failing to run out a ground ball the night before.
On August 15, Upton was benched in the sixth inning for not running out a double play ball. He was replaced by Justin Ruggiano. A few days later, Upton hit a ball to left field that bounced off the wall. From the crack of the bat, Upton reacted to it as a home run, dropping the bat and casually jogging down the first base line. He then tried to stretch it into a double and was thrown out by the left fielder. He was not benched for this incident, however. Joe Maddon was interviewed and called it “just a mental mistake”.
During the Rays’ June 27, 2010 home game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Upton loafed after a ball hit by Rusty Ryal into left-center field, allowing a double to become a triple.
At the end of that half inning, Evan Longoria approached Upton in the dugout, obviously to mention his displeasure with Upton’s effort. Upton immediately became irate at the criticism and argued face-to-face with Longoria, repeatedly pointing a finger in his face, until Longoria walked away while Rays player Willy Aybar grabbed Upton by the waist and took him away from the scene.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._J._Upton
This is from Wikipedia, so take it for what it’s worth.
Murph
November 16th, 2012
3:06 pm
And I’m going on what is likely, for those who don’t understand probabilities.
The douche alarms are going off again, Shaun. Take a step back and maybe count to 10 before you post as you’re once again alienating those that you so desperately want to like you.
TheOnlyBravesFan
November 16th, 2012
3:06 pm
Baseball Prospectus, Oct 2012- 3. B.J. Upton: Bust
B.J. Upton is a chantreusse. In the last two seasons, he’s hit 23 and 28 home runs and stolen 36 and 31 bases. While playing center field. He’s put up four-win seasons before, and theoretically with his skill set, he should be putting up more. And he’s 28. The problem with B.J. Upton is that he might just be the player with the most volatile value in the game. The speed could disappear at any moment. The growth in power could be legit. The .298 OBP this year might be a fluke. Maybe not. The attitude… oh the attitude.
The thing about B.J. Upton is that if he were priced in line with his recent performance, you could make the case that he’s risky, but for a team that needs to catch lightning in a bottle, may be worth the risk. If you don’t expect much and everything goes right, he could turn into a nice bargain. The problem is this: Someone is going to convince themselves that the only thing holding Upton back is his attitude, and that they know the perfect person to get through to him. And they will bid based on this hope. The free-agent market is driven by the person who falls in love the hardest, and falling in love for the person who… just… needs… someone to believe in them is a tale as old as my fifth-grade teacher. —Russell A. Carleton
Bleacher ReportAs if the lack of motivation wasn’t enough of a headache with a player of immense talent, Upton is also portrayed as having an attitude issue. He had no problem acting immaturely when teammate and fellow superstar Evan Longoria challenged his effort during a game in 2010, even when it was apparent that Upton dogged it after the ball.
Tampa Bay Times- Upton said that, at age 25, he now realizes the indiscretions of his past, such as the lack of hustle and lackadaisical play, and he’s ready to reform.
“There’s been kind of a cloud over my head, and I just kind of want to push those things behind me,” Upton said. “From 19 to 25, just forget about it and move on from 25 on.”
There will be no further incidents, he assured, of being benched for not hustling, or any similar issues. “I just want to squash all of that and move on,” he said
nolie
November 16th, 2012
3:06 pm
you actually believe that BJ is gonna create at least 40 more runs than Bourn?
Total Runs Created
2012….Upton..102——Bourn..146
2011….Upton…99——-Bourn..122
2010….Upton…90——-Bourn..112
2009….Upton…93——Bourn.. 131
not even freaking close
old man
November 16th, 2012
3:06 pm
Shaun,
Remind me to never ask you a question.
RC
November 16th, 2012
3:07 pm
ncbravesfan90,
How did you get the Shanks interview to play? I’ve gone to the webpage a few times, but it’s not playing for me.