As a Braves’ trade target, I’d hustle after B.J. Upton
B.J. Upton hustles on occasion. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
The Braves’ starting outfield for the first two games against Washington: Eric Hinske in left, Gregor Blanco in center, Melky Cabrera in right. Blanco began the season in the minor leagues, while Hinske was imported primarily as a pinch-hitter and Cabrera as a fourth outfielder.
The Braves’ outfield health: Lousy. Jason Heyward (bum thumb) just went on the disabled list. Matt Diaz (ditto) just exited the DL. Nate McLouth (sore head) is still there.
The good news: The Braves remain in first place.
The reality: They’ll need more outfielders to stay there.
The rumor: Jon Paul Morosi of FoxSports.com reports that the Braves are seeking a right-handed outfield bat before the July 31st trade deadline. Morosi names three names: Josh Willingham of Washington, Corey Hart of Milwaukee and Jose Bautista of Toronto.
The caveat: All three will become free agents after the 2011 season, and we know how well the Braves do at keeping free agents. So any of the three would likely be a 14-month rental and would surely require the Braves to trade one of their minor-league pitching prospects. (Morosi mentions Mike Minor, the club’s No. 1 draftee in 2009.)
The better option (says me): B.J. Upton, Tampa Bay center fielder.
The story so far: Upton is one of the game’s biggest talents, but he’s also among its greatest mysteries. He’s hitting .226, and a guy this skilled should be able to bunt .300. He got into a dugout dust-up with teammate Evan Longoria over Upton’s disinclination to hustle after a ball Sunday, and Tampa manager Joe Maddon didn’t start Upton in Tuesday’s game. (Though not, Maddon said with a straight face, for disciplinary purposes. Just to rest the young man, who apparently wasn’t getting enough rest while playing center field.) But Upton was deployed as a sub, and he legged out an eighth-inning triple. So there.
The downside: Upton might not be manageable. He might continue to swing at everything. (He has more career strikeouts than hits.) He might play no better for the Braves than he has for the Rays.
The upside: He’s 25. He makes only $3 million (but is arbitration-eligible after this season). He’s right-handed. He plays center field. He is, as noted, a talent of the first rank, and we can’t really say that about any Braves outfielder other than Heyward. If/when Upton does figure things out, he’ll be a major star.
The obvious risk: The Braves’ clubhouse, never a boiling cauldron, is utterly harmonious at the moment. Upton could upset the equilibrium.
The potential gain: A first-place team would get a lot more talented in a hurry, and Upton won’t be eligible for free agency until after the 2012 season.
Loading ...The upside for Upton: A change of scenery, which can’t hurt if he’s getting into it with Longoria, who’s the main man in Tampa. And a different managerial voice in Bobby Cox, for whom everyone loves playing. And the promise of an even different managerial voice when Fredi Gonzalez takes over next season. (Wait. Am I getting ahead of things here?)
The potential snag: Fredi Gonzalez doesn’t like guys who don’t hustle. Ask Hanley Ramirez.
The worst-case scenario: Upton comes here and continues to hit .226, which would still be an upgrade over McLouth, who’s hitting .176. The Braves don’t win the division and then, disenchanted, don’t tender Upton over the winter. Which means he walks away and the whole thing is written off as a Teixeira-sized fizzle.
The best-case scenario: Upton gives the Braves their desired right-handed bat, plays the best center field the Braves have seen since Andruw Jones discovered carbohydrates and re-invents himself as the missing piece on a championship team.
The bottom line: Me, I’d do it. Upton is a far more dynamic player than any of the three mentioned by FoxSports. (Hart is the most intriguing of the three — he has 60 RBIs — but he’d also be a mighty expensive quick fix.) Unless you believe Jordan Schafer, who’s hitting .221 at Class AAA Gwinnett, is still the center fielder of the future, the Braves must move to upgrade that essential position at some point. Why not now, I say? Why not upgrade with Upton?
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417 comments Add your comment
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
July 1st, 2010
9:36 am
No way would I even trade Gregor Blanco for B. J. Upton. Who needs that cancer in the clubhouse?
Incidentally Blanco has always hit well in the minors and in the winter league and it seems he has finally found his major league eye.
LosBraves
July 1st, 2010
9:41 am
Upton+No Hussle= Not a Brave!
It’s pretty obvious the Braves club house doesn’t want players that don’t give 100% and Upton does not. I don’t think a change of scenery is going to change his efforts. I think we should go for Corey Hart. He’s a strong right hander hitter with a decent average (.282), 18 hr, and 60 rbi. He would be a great addition to the team.
First place Bravos!!!
RaysFan
July 1st, 2010
9:47 am
As a Rays fan, I thought I would add some input. Upton’s 2nd and 3rd seasons were marred by injury. Upton hasn’t had any problems getting along until now. Previous incidents were all hustle related. BJ slammed 7 bombs in the playoffs in 08 and was a machine during their World Series run. I’m not sure what Upton’s problem is at this point and I don’t think anyone else does either. It could be his shoulder is giving him issues but I also think it’s a confidence problem. He watches waaaaayyyy to many close called 3rd strikes for a guy who is confident in his abilities.
I use to be a Braves fan before I moved to Tampa and I can tell you that Andrew Jones was an outstanding CF and there are plenty of times BJ Upton makes me think he could be better than Jones out there. He’s that good when he wants to be. As a Rays fan, I’m not sure who the Braves could give up in return. The Rays are making a run of their own and despite his offensive woes BJ gobbles up way too many would be doubles in the outfield to get a return for prospects.
Glitchy
July 1st, 2010
9:51 am
MB, I assume that you wrote this to get a reaction. Living in Tampa, I’ve watched Upton since he came up. He is Andrew Jones (the young one, not the fat one) without as much talent, and a significantly worse attitude. He has a world of talent, but does not care about anything but BJ.
Can you say Milton Bradley?
If you actually WERE serious, I’d suggest you consider a career change. Perhaps UK needs a basketball writer for the student newspaper.
Bruce Mac
July 1st, 2010
9:57 am
Time “I still think Escobar is better than Andrus” SIr, do you ever watch MLB games. Elvis is hitting 300 with 22 steals and flawless defense. Escobar is high maintenance, iffy defense, and hits 250. His Manager and teamates have had it with him. Feliz has 21 saves, I said 21 saves. This is the worst trade in the history of Braves Baseball. Worse than giving away Frenchy and worse than trading away Wainwright. The only trade we should make is TP for the Rangers hittting coach. If they trade Minor for some average outfielder, Wren should be fired on spot.
TheAntiMe
July 1st, 2010
10:00 am
Pass on B.J. Upton. He seems to have that too cool for school sense of entitlement thing going on. Now if you were talking maybe Justin Upton, I just might be on board for that trade.
DaveinNEPA
July 1st, 2010
10:13 am
That’s a bad idea Bradley.
The Braves already have one head case in the everyday lineup, they don’t need another one.
coach smith
July 1st, 2010
10:15 am
I’d rather bring in BOTH Corey Hart and Andruw Jones to really add right handed power and depth (AJ) to the outfield
coach smith
July 1st, 2010
10:17 am
If you could get Nelson Cruz I’d do that for sure but not sure the Rangers will part with him
Author Pendraggin
July 1st, 2010
10:25 am
BravesFan, with you on DeJesus. That’s who I have been pushing for.
BravesFan
July 1st, 2010
10:26 am
I vote for Hart. Andruw maybe, but who goes away to make a spot for both OF’s?
Vino Fino
July 1st, 2010
10:37 am
Mark, I’ve seen you come up with some bad ideas before, but this has got to be the worst!!! Upton is a flat-out punk, no two ways about it. That exchange with Longoria, though not the only evidence, is all you need to know about the guy. He would be a cancer in a very cohesive clubhouse. Even if he was a saint, I don’t see it. His numbers are terrible, and outside of the 08 playoffs, he really hasn’t done anything with his supposed top shelf talent. Bobby doesn’t tolerate lack of hustle, Fredi didn’t / won’t tolerate it, and he simply doesn’t live up to the Braves gold standard. I’d rather have McLouth/Cabrera hitting .220 in center and running their butts off than Upton.
Vino Fino
July 1st, 2010
10:45 am
I also wouldn’t be afraid to give up some pitching talent to go after the likes of a Corey Hart. Now would be the time to give up something to get something, and what the Braves need more than a stockpiled farm system is a right-handed bat. If Chipper, and when Wagner retires they will be freeing up a ton of salary. Even if they tried to resign Glaus (for considerably more than they got him for this year) to bridge the gap at third, they’d have some room to try and sign Hart (or whoever). After 2011, KK’s ridiculous salary comes off as well. All of the aformentioned players will be replaced by much less expensive options, and we still have time before we have to step up for Jurrjens, Hanson, and Heyward.
jarvis
July 1st, 2010
10:50 am
You’re as stupid as you are ridiculous.
wawel78
July 1st, 2010
10:51 am
You guys are going to be really upset when Wren pulls GM of the Year.
If you think Escobar is iffy on defense, then I’m not sure you watch this team or listen to what the “experts” say. And it’s interesting that you chose to completely ignore his stats last season and focus on a year in which he’s been injured to try and make your point.
Last year Escobar went 299/14/76. OPS was over 100 points higher.
Last year Andrus went 267/6/40. Andrus did have 33 SB which I like. It looks like he’s on pace to get quite a bit more this year.
Escobar makes about 20 grand more a year so that’s not an issue either.
GPB
July 1st, 2010
11:19 am
With credit to Billy Madison – Mr. Bradley, what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in the internet is now dumber for having read to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
I have Upton on my fantasy roster. He is the worst performer over other outfielders. We have too many lefty outfielders so we need to trade one off and get David DeJesus from the Royals. As others have proposed, throwing in Escobar would also be a great deal. Let Infante start at short.
kdog
July 1st, 2010
11:34 am
This coming from a guy who wanted to dump Glaus in April? Come on, you have no credability.
Casey Stinkle
July 1st, 2010
11:57 am
Willingham would be better
Casey Stinkle
July 1st, 2010
11:59 am
And Ryan Braun would be even better
Prado>KJ
July 1st, 2010
12:01 pm
How is there 1,000 different people with “dawg” in their name that hates Escobar? On to the point now, IF Upton could be had for smaller pieces I would do this deal instantly. I think fans, especially Braves fans, overreact to how some players act or react in the field. Is loafing bad? (Garrett Anderson did this often with no repercussions!) Of course it is, but what people don’t remember is that Upton was drafted as a Shortstop and still is probably learning Center field. Upton has had some injuries, but he would definitely be an upgrade over our current outfielders. Look at the Braves teams in the 90’s. We had David Justice, Deion Sanders, Ron Gant, Kenny Lofton and not to mention in 2003-4 Gary Sheffield all of which had pretty big egos and somewhat “attitude” issues. With the leadership of Chipper and Bobby, Upton could easily take the next step. I don’t think Joe Maddon is the “toughest” on his players anyway, usually reactive instead of proactive. So, yes to Upton. As long as the price is right.
Joshua
July 1st, 2010
12:07 pm
Sorry, Mark, but I think I would prefer any of the three mentioned by Mr. Morosi. We need a bat that can contribute now. While I think Upton is going to rebound and be a great player etc, we cannot afford to risk it right now with the way he has been playing and his perceived lack of hustle. I think your idea does have merit, and if we didn’t seem to be so close to a WS contending status, I would favor this idea, especially considering Upton’s defensive capabilities. But when we are looking to add that final piece for a championship run, I think we need to acquire that difference making bat that already has his stroke going and who can come in and drive runs immediately. The determining factor for me is the risk you mentioned with Upton upsetting what seems to be a beautiful team chemistry, which probably is the strongest dynamic that the Braves have right now. That all being said, believe me, if the Braves did make a move for Upton, I would hardly be crying myself to sleep at night. Nice thoughts though, Mark.
Scott Nanney
July 1st, 2010
12:15 pm
No way I’d trade a good prospect (or more) for B.J. Upton. He may be a million dollar talent, but he has a 10 cent head. That’s why he hasn’t lived up to his billing. Plus, he strikes out way too much. Melky can do that well enough. I like the Corey Hart option much better. If we’re going to have to give up good prospects that’s a better option than Upton. What about Marlon Byrd in Chicago. It looks like the Cubs are blowing up … plus, you could probably rip them off.
scBravesfan
July 1st, 2010
12:28 pm
There is no denying Upton’s considerable talent. There is also no denying that to this point in his major league that the hype has been far greater than the performance.
He doesn’t seem like a Bobby Cox kinda guy. He seems more Kenny Lofton than Marquis Grissom.
I’d pass on BJ Upton…
Thursday Links »
July 1st, 2010
12:56 pm
[...] Bradley of the AJC suggests going after B.J. Upton as the trade deadline [...]
Furman Bisher
July 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
By the time I was done reading this fairytale, my colostome bag was full!
Trudeau33
July 1st, 2010
1:33 pm
The solution to finding a right handed slugging CF….. Corey Hart. He’s a batting .282 with 18 hrs and 60 rbi’s. He has already proven that he can hit +20 hr and +80 rbi’s yearly. He adds experience, yet he is only 28 and without a huge price tag. Atlanta is not trying to make the playoffs, we are trying to WIN another World Series and send Bobby, Chipper, and Billy out on top. With the second half of the season approaching, our braves remain in 1st place. If we want to keep our #1 spot, we MUST make this move and the sooner the better. With Heyward going on the DL and MCclouth not being the player he was in PITT, We must look elsewhere for a big bat. We all know that the Mets and Phillys are undoubtedly going to make major upgrades as well. If the Braves and their Fans want to win the division, we need to make this move.
By the way…Our pitching staff is one of, if not the BEST in baseball so far this year. The Braves farm system has plenty of great minor league prospects to deal in order to make this crucial move happen. It would be almost crazy to not trade some of our future talent for a shot at winning the World Series now.
BaseballBuff
July 1st, 2010
1:41 pm
“As a Braves trade target, I’d hustle after B.J. Upton.” Ouch! That’s a whale of a dangling modifier. I guess editors don’t review for grammar anymore. And by the way, the Upton idea still sucks.
The voice of Reason during Baseball Season
July 1st, 2010
1:45 pm
We’ve had enough guys with big-time skills and 10 cent heads (See Yunel, Andruw….). Get me a more marginal guy who battles and learns from his mistakes (e.g. a better Blanco). Upton is no real upgrade over McLouth. Now if the deal is McLouth FOR Upton, maybe it works. But even that still smells like Francoeur for Church. If we make a trade it shouldn’t be for a bag of ifs, could-bes and maybes.
CharlieRay
July 1st, 2010
2:17 pm
Boy do all of you got it wrong. First I’m a season ticket holder for the Rays all 81 games and was in Atlanta with the Rays so I’m not pushing for BJ to leave TB. BJ is NOT A TROUBLE MAKER and just the opposite. A very good team mate and best friend of Longo. Just a frustration blow-up while in a slump and over with. He is a bit lazy and not hitting. Give us something good and you can have him.
Robert
July 1st, 2010
4:01 pm
If you’re looking for a right handed CF then look to Chris Young in Arizona. He is having a good year,though his strike out rate is high, has plenty of power, speed, and plays good defense. I believe he could be had and wouldn’t cost the bank, as Upton would. BJ’s not worth it. By the way am I the only Braves fan that thinks Escobar’s batting issues may be linked to him not batting in the 2 hole this year?
bfred
July 1st, 2010
5:07 pm
I’ll take fiery, pump up your teammates types all day – even if they can be disruptive. This guy just seems to have a bad attitude. Surely there’s someone hitting better than .250 with some power who won’t introduce a chemistry issue.
Ronald Millsaps
July 1st, 2010
6:09 pm
The guy who talked about the risk of bringing a punkish type to a class organization had a point well worth considering. I think Atlanta would deal with with such a guy, though.
I think our current team can win it all. Jason Heyward’s lack of power recently strikes me as being 95% due to his thumb injury, and Troy Glaus provides it from the other side of the plate.
Eric Hinske I want in the lineup every day— regardless of who’s pitching. I like him and his plate presence.
Braves fan in Alabama
July 1st, 2010
7:00 pm
B.J. is a troublemaker and a loafer…not to mention overrated. Idiotic idea.
AdirondackDave
July 1st, 2010
8:56 pm
Ok, Upton’s a serious talent with head problems. I’d take a chance but I wouldn’t give up quality pitching. I’d trade Freeman and maybe a third tier pitching prospect at best.
LC thomas
July 1st, 2010
9:28 pm
Avoid athletes from VA. vick, uptons, all not worth it
ynot
July 1st, 2010
10:51 pm
Think of fthe players the Braves lost in the ill-fated Texeria & Drew trades. I would rather them do nothing then watch them blow it for a 3rd time.
And Roodge Owns
July 1st, 2010
11:00 pm
Editorial sensationalism, New York Post style, right here at your friendly AJC. Yuck. Go back to the “Me & Smoltz” Parade.
BJ Upton? BJ UPTON??? If this isn’t to generate blog hits, then you got stuck too long in one of the David Lynch movies you love. And if it IS, for shame.
Not a Bandwagon Fan
July 1st, 2010
11:26 pm
You are out of your freaking mind Mark. Upton is a know-it-all, thinks-he’s-the-crap, club house disruption. He is fast and has loads of potential that he will never see.
How long have you been covering the Braves to know that Bobby would never have it. Freddy Gonzales would never have it either. Chemistry is going good right now, we just got Jurrijens back, I say we just ride this ship to the playoffs. McClouth could get traded as he needs a new change in scenery and we could use another bat, but NOT Upton’s. ~~~Just what you’re NOT looking for~~~~
Are the Braves Shopping for a Right Handed Bat? | Tomahawk Take | An Atlanta Braves Blog
July 2nd, 2010
8:01 am
[...] Upton – This guy is listed mainly because Mark Bradley brought him up and the fact that I have liked him for a long time. There are no indications that he is on the [...]
John Tucker
July 2nd, 2010
8:19 am
Yeh, Bradley, tht’s al the Braves need is Yunel And BJ Uptin both dogginng it every day. Too much attitude mixed in with their talent, A recipe for clubhouse turmoil.
hal
July 2nd, 2010
9:02 am
i wouldent take upton on a dare who in hell needs him get hammer he can play left with melky in canter or right and matt as the 4th pinch hitter haammers got great power will get on base and isent uptons kind of trouble longorias reputation is of a straight shoter hustle type guy if he has a problem with upton then id be very wary and i think he last about 3 games b4 bobby sat him on his @ss and went back to nate
Hits: B.J. Upton, Carmona, Bengie Molina « TheUpperCardNetwork.com
July 2nd, 2010
9:30 am
[...] Atlanta actively looking for a bat in the outfield on the trade market, Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Mark Bradley believes the team should go after B.J. Upton, as he’s affordable for the teams payroll, [...]
willie g really hates bill shanks
July 2nd, 2010
10:08 am
trade jjo reyes and mclouth and kawakami to the dodgers foe KEMP AND LONEY, WHICH WILL COST THE BRAVES MUCH MORE.
willie g really hates bill shanks
July 2nd, 2010
10:10 am
trade whoever and get oswalt for the strech dr.
stupup74
July 2nd, 2010
10:40 am
Upton would be a coup de ta. It is also probably a pipe dream, but his talent is so immense that if you could pull is off, it would be incredible.
Hart and Willingham are too iffy for the price asked. I don’t know enough about Baustista to say anything.
Bo
July 2nd, 2010
11:31 am
You must be kidding, why would you want to go after a non-hustler, someone that currently does not get along with his teammates??? It just don’t make sense.
southerndawg
July 2nd, 2010
12:14 pm
I would stay away from Upton. Even if he has a good attitude, he still is not the answer. I would go for Willingham. He knows the teams in our division and is a good player. He is not the superstar caliber player the braves have had in the past, so he might be affordable next year.
KPH
July 2nd, 2010
12:52 pm
.232 avg. Why give up a prospect when we have 3 guys better than that on the roster now who can play outfield and they arent even punky trash talkers with no respect for their coaches. Nope wouldnt even consider it.
reason
July 2nd, 2010
1:21 pm
Heyward, hasn’t been playing half a year and has been on the disable list twice already, old Chipper replacement on the disable list, they should not only get a center fielder, but a right fielder also.
Young players break down early now a days. Upton is not for the Braves. There are better players out there, that are less likely to disrupt a teams chemistry. Maybe they should look really hard into their farm system for a center fielder and, leave part players from other teams along and also leave their young prospects along also..
bfred
July 2nd, 2010
1:49 pm
Several posters above have detailed the decline in Upton’s numbers. He broke into the league and made a big splash on talent alone but with the VERY rare exception that doesn’t keep you competitive in MLB for long. He’s a project at this point – needs a manager who can convince him to lose the egotism and focus on fundamentals and effort. Cox is leaving – why saddle someone else with that sort of high-risk proposition. Nofreakingthanks.