B.J. Upton
From BR Bullpen
Melvin Emanuel Upton
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 3", Weight 180 lb.
[edit] Biographical Information
B.J. Upton was considered throughout his minor league career as being one of the top few, even the top, prospect in the minors.
B.J. stands for Bossman Junior, his nickname. His father's nickname is, of course, Bossman.
His younger brother Justin was the #1 overall pick in the 2005 draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Both brothers were drafted as shortstops, but were moved to the outfield. B.J. was first tried at third base and second base, where he made too many errors to stick, and wound up in center field in 2007, a position where he could put his outstanding speed on display on defense.
Upton shows a remarkable lack of hustle for a young player. Despite being in the middle of an intense pennant race, in August of 2008 he was benched 3 times by manager Joe Maddon within a span of two weeks for 1) failing to run out a grounder back to the pitcher, 2) failing to run out double play grounder, and 3) getting tagged out after lackadaisically jogging into second base on a drive off the left field wall.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 1 (2007)
