B. J. Upton leaves the American League

[DumpJerry]

Signs with the Braves.

[LoveYourSuit]

I guess they are paying for the "Raw" talent because this guy has been an average ML player so far based on the expectations.

These ML contracts are just insane.

[geofitz]

B J Upton is an average MLB player--when he turns the switch on. But, it seems he's on cruise control most of the time. And can put up some of the most pathetic at bats possible. Good defender--but at that price??

[TheVulture]

I have a tough time considering Upton average due to his combination of power, speed and defensive abilities, but 15 million a year for a guy who just put up a .298 OBP is ridiculous. Hard to believe this guy drew 97 walks at age 23 and now has trouble reaching .300 OBP.

[RKMeibalane]

Originally Posted by DumpJerry

Signs with the Braves.

Justin's better.

[SephClone89]

Originally Posted by RKMeibalane

Justin's better.

Obviously.

[soxinem1]

Originally Posted by LoveYourSuit

I guess they are paying for the "Raw" talent because this guy has been an average ML player so far based on the expectations.

These ML contracts are just insane.

This is a joke, especially from a team that has never dished out a FA contract like this.

What are they paying for exactly?

I'd have chanced Shane Victorino before this guy....

[doublem23]

Originally Posted by soxinem1

T
What are they paying for exactly?

Elite defense at a key defensive position
Average power at an offensively deficient position
Elite power/speed combo

As long as he can play CF, he'd be worth it, probably. Contract looks a lot worse if they move him to a corner.

[CoopaLoop]

Interesting move. They are letting Bourn walk then?

[soxinem1]

Originally Posted by doublem23

Elite defense at a key defensive position
Average power at an offensively deficient position
Elite power/speed combo

As long as he can play CF, he'd be worth it, probably. Contract looks a lot worse if they move him to a corner.

He is elite for hitting about .240 with a very poor OBP, so-so OPS, and nearly Adam Dunn'esque with the strikeouts?

With his speed he has never even scored 90 runs in a season.

Glad he's out of the AL and equally glad we do not have him.

[BringBackBlkJack]

Originally Posted by CoopaLoop

Interesting move. They are letting Bourn walk then?

Acquiring Upton basically serves as Bourn's one way ticket out of ATL. Bourn is rumored to want a multi-year deal at around $20M per. And I'll give you a guess who his agent is.