Upton had initially drawn interest from the Philadelphia Phillies, the Washington Nationals, the Braves and a few other clubs. The Phillies were always considered the front runner, until the Braves hosted Upton at Turner Field two weeks ago. Apparently he liked what he saw.
Upton hit .246 last year, with a career-high 28 home runs and 78 RBI's. He also struck out a career-high 169 times. Upton hits for power, as he has had 20 or more home runs three times in his career. He is also quick, as he has 20 or more steals in the past six seasons, including three seasons in a row when he stole 44, 42 and 42 bases. Only two downfalls for Upton, he has hit .300 only once in his eight-year career, all with the Tampa Bay Rays. He has also struck out 150 times or more in five of the past six seasons. The Braves are hoping he can improve in those two areas.
Upton gives the Braves a much needed right-handed power bat to put in the middle of their lineup. Along with second baseman Dan Uggla, they will be counted on to be the heavy right-handed hitters. Also, he will form one dynamic outfield duo with Jason Heyward, they both have the potential to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases each season. If the Braves trade to get B.J.'s younger brother, Justin, from the Arizona Diamondbacks, their outfield could become one of the best in the major leagues after years of little production.
B.J. Upton signed a five-year contract with the Braves on Thursday to become the teams' new center fielder.
Photo Courtesy of news.yahoo.com
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