Yesterday, Mark Simon had an interesting post about BJ Upton over on the big blog.
The data about Upton’s success on off-speed pitches down and away was particularly interesting (even more interesting if you take a second to think about Upton’s stance and his non-step foot trigger). But, I was more intrigued by the perpetual question surrounding Upton (and the discussion of that topic in the comments): “What’s next for BJ?”
That seems to be the perpetual discussion about BJ. We spend every spring wondering if this will be the year he lives up to his (always vaguely undefined) “potential.” Then, we spend all summer beating on him, regardless of his production, for failing to meet our non-specific expectations. It seems to me, that no matter what BJ does, we will be disappointed. We are just built that way.
BJ is partly to blame for all of this. He was a cocky kid when we drafted him that formed a malcontent trifecta with Delmon Young and Elijah Dukes. Then, he flashed his athleticism and casual observers decided that he wasn’t trying when he couldn’t stretch routine singles into doubles. The biggest problem, however, seems to be that BJ is a generally shy kid that struggles with the limelight.
All those factors combine to make BJ the anti-Longo. Or, back then, the anti-Rocco. If we liked Rock (or like Evan) we simply couldn’t treat his opposite the same.
But, look closer. Strip away the (unrealistic?) “potential” we created for BJ. Strip away his “reputation.” Strip away his facial expressions. Look at him now. Isn’t he a really, really good ballplayer? Would you really be upset if the Rays married themselves to Upton for 4-6 more years? I wouldn’t.
Look, it’s not like he is without flaws. He’s going to make you crazy when he looks at a third strike (especially a non-strike that the umpire has been calling all night). He’s going to make you crazy when he gets near, but not to, an unreachable ball in centerfield thereby playing a double into a triple. And he’s going to make you crazy when he gets into “I-will-hit-100-weak-ground-balls-to-second-trying-to-get-myself-to-drive-the-ball-the-other-way” mode.
But EVERYONE has peccadilloes like that. We just skewer BJ for his.
I doubt the Hall of Fame will ever have to decide whether or not to allow Melvin to put the moniker “BJ” on a plaque. But so what. Have we come so far as a fan base that we only want Hall of Famers?
Let’s make an Upton-pact for 2012. We’ll call it the Upton Pact. Let’s just compare BJ to BJ instead of comparing him to some Platonic ideal. Here’s my hand, shake it.
That’s funny, yesterday this was the topic of the water cooler talk in the office here…what to think about BJ Upton. I am guilty of the very exact thing you are talking about, Mark. I have this imaginary expectation that I have of him that doesn’t have any real measurables, and when I don’t believe he meets this expectation, I feel disappointed in him. IT’s completely irrational…but we’re fanatics, who says being rational is in the contract of being fans?!
I really do hope that he has a great contract year. If he does great and we can ride that momentum to our first title, then I can watch him sign his big contract with whomever he chooses and be very much ok with it (I might even hope he does better than Benedict Crawford is doing in beantown…hehehehe).
I’m not convinced he won’t re-sign with us. He likes the area, he knows the system, and the management team. If he is as shy as I have heard, he isn’t going to want to learn a new clubhouse.
I didn’t mean to sound like it was a forgone conclusion that he’s signing elsewhere (even if, as a Rays fan, it sorta is). I’m just saying that if it DID happen, I would be better with it than I have been with others (CC, Pena, et cetera).
I know what you mean. Maybe it just feels that way because he’d be headed to somewhere other than the AL East. But, unlike CC, we don’t have a ready replacement for BJ so it could actually be worse.
*shaking hand*
I have made this pact with myself for the past several years. To the point of arguing with my brother about whether BJ actually could have beaten that throw to first (even though I knew deep down he wasn’t busting it down the line). The vitriol thrown at Melvin is, however warranted in the moment, embarrassing. BJ has been forced to grow up in the Show and has had all of his spots clearly illuminated in the spotlight. While he may seem overpriced to Rays fans, $7 mil for a 20/20 defensively elite CF is a pittance. The striking out looking, petulant antics, and relaxed demeanor all look bad but the end product is always there (well, almost always).
Enjoy the Bossman for what he is: a young and exciting talent, who can equally frustrate and amaze.
I tried to work running to first into the post but it didn’t fit naturally. I think that is the criticism that makes me the craziest. No one runs that fast if they aren’t trying. He has just a smoother gait than CC did.
Side Note: When watching Crawford go from 1st-to-3rd didn’t he remind you of the kid growing up that would take off his shoes for a race because he was faster barefoot?
Nice work. I’m hoping he signs an extension to stick around.
Thanks!
Being a late in season post, B J has done as well as can be expected with the injuries that the Ray’s have gone through. Setting career Hr. numbers and being a solid defensive CF. The FO would be dumb not to make an offer, a respectable offer to sign him to a multi year deal. Worst case would be we could trade him down the line when we have some one to replace him instead of just saying good bye…. That doesn’t seem to be good business.