With the Rays considering using him as a utilityman, B.J. Upton is set to see work at second base, third base, shortstop and the outfield this spring. "I would like to take the pressure off his defense somewhat. Everything has been about his defense," manager Joe Maddon said. "During the last couple of years, it's been all about being the shortstop of the future, and then you throw him over to third base and it's about becoming the third baseman of the future. You know what? Let's come be a major league baseball player, hit, and we'll figure out the best spot for you." If he does hit, the team will have to find a regular spot for him somewhere. He could post the best OBP of anyone on the roster.
If BJ gets hot and steals the bases like he is capable he could be a big asset to any fantasy team this year. If he is bounced around a little and gets eligibility almost everywhere - are we looking at the new Figgins?
Possibly, but lets just hope he is leading off for the Drays instead of hitting 8th. He could post a OBP somewhere around .400 and with his speed, he could be very valuable this year. Of course all of this is mute if Maddon benches him for the Cantus and Gomes of the world.
With the Rays considering using him as a utilityman, B.J. Upton is set to see work at second base, third base, shortstop and the outfield this spring. "I would like to take the pressure off his defense somewhat. Everything has been about his defense," manager Joe Maddon said. "During the last couple of years, it's been all about being the shortstop of the future, and then you throw him over to third base and it's about becoming the third baseman of the future. You know what? Let's come be a major league baseball player, hit, and we'll figure out the best spot for you." If he does hit, the team will have to find a regular spot for him somewhere. He could post the best OBP of anyone on the roster.
If BJ gets hot and steals the bases like he is capable he could be a big asset to any fantasy team this year. If he is bounced around a little and gets eligibility almost everywhere - are we looking at the new Figgins?
Possibly, but lets just hope he is leading off for the Drays instead of hitting 8th. He could post a OBP somewhere around .400 and with his speed, he could be very valuable this year. Of course all of this is mute if Maddon benches him for the Cantus and Gomes of the world.
I think BJ is going to play much better in ST than those 2 and Maddon will be forced to play him, at least i hope
ST. PETERSBURG - The Devil Rays think part of B.J. Upton's offensive struggles are the result of concern over his defensive problems.
So to lessen his worry, they plan to give him more to do.
In addition to Upton playing shortstop and third, the Rays will have him work at second and in the outfield this spring to explore the possibility of turning him into a super-utility-type such as the Angels' Chone Figgins. And they hope he will establish himself as the impact offensive player he was supposed to be.
"I would like to take the pressure off his defense somewhat. Everything has been about his defense," manager Joe Maddon said. "During the last couple of years, it's been all about being the shortstop of the future, and then you throw him over to third base and it's about becoming the third baseman of the future.
"You know what? Let's come be a major-league baseball player, hit, and we'll figure out the best spot for you."
Upton hit .246 in 50 games last season but had only six extra-base hits five doubles, one homer, primarily because of what the Rays saw as mechanical flaws in his swing - using too much arms and not enough legs. They hope he will focus more on what he's doing at the plate if he's not thinking about what he's doing in the field.
"I want him to come here and relax and enjoy coming to the ballpark without any consternation about making an error," Maddon said.
In addition to Upton playing shortstop and third, the Rays will have him work at second and in the outfield this spring to explore the possibility of turning him into a super-utility-type such as the Angels' Chone Figgins.
Article in todays Tampa Tribune
Nice call Greenandgold
Odd that they want to teach him multiple positions given that the reason he wasn't in the majors earlier/more consistently was his defense wasn't good enough.
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In addition to Upton playing shortstop and third, the Rays will have him work at second and in the outfield this spring to explore the possibility of turning him into a super-utility-type such as the Angels' Chone Figgins.
Article in todays Tampa Tribune
Nice call Greenandgold
Odd that they want to teach him multiple positions given that the reason he wasn't in the majors earlier/more consistently was his defense wasn't good enough.
The Rays really want him to play CF and move Rocco, but we haven't found a deal we really want. We can't send BJ down now that he has been up without causing more problems, and he is too talented not to play him on the field. They need to figure out a way to get him in the lineup offensively without losing defense for these young pitchers. He can't make a routine throw from 3rd or SS maybe 2B would be easier and no problem throwing in the Of
Snakes Gould wrote:theres some talk on sportsradio in philadelphia that the red sox and phillies are talking about swapping Jon Lieber for Wily Mo Pena.
pretty interesting deal. from a phillie standpoint, id love this, especially if rowand for linebrink goes does too.
No way this is true. Sox already have lots of good starters and Willy's their only OF reserve. (I guess Hinske sorta is too..)
Snakes Gould wrote:theres some talk on sportsradio in philadelphia that the red sox and phillies are talking about swapping Jon Lieber for Wily Mo Pena.
pretty interesting deal. from a phillie standpoint, id love this, especially if rowand for linebrink goes does too.
No way this is true. Sox already have lots of good starters and Willy's their only OF reserve. (I guess Hinske sorta is too..)
"I do not think baseball of today is any better than it was 30 years ago... I still think Radbourne is the greatest of the pitchers." John Sullivan 1914-Old athletes never change.
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