Could BJ Upton Be Had?
By Mike Silva ~ October 3rd, 2009. Filed under: Mike Silva.
A few weeks back Joe Demayo reported to me a league source was “surprised” how deeply the Tampa Bay Rays were following the Mets farm system. This was in mid August when the MILB season was wrapping up. Our source thought this indicated that something could be cooking down the road. Hearing all the reports of payroll I immediately thought of Carl Crawford, but what about BJ Upton?
Upton is a kid with immense talent that came up to the big leagues at the tender age of 19. He has switched positions multiple times and had issues with Joe Maddon for lack of hustle. Considering that description is appropriate for a number of Mets players he should fit in just fine. Upton has not come close to the numbers he put up in 2007. This year his OPS is a very pedestrian .665. Could the Mets acquire him cheaper than Carl Crawford both in terms of players and dollars?
Carlos Beltran’s knee appears ok for now. The Mets are eventually going to need to give him rest or time in one of the corners. Upton has great defensive numbers in centerfield. I thought he looked shaky at times when I saw him play the Yankees, but UZR indicates otherwise. I am sure he could handle leftfied at Citi and certainly spell Beltran in center. Maybe his 24 homers in 2007 were an aberration, but I can see him as a solid 15 homer, 80 RBI, and 50 stolen base threat. He is also younger than Carl Crawford. If Crawford/Reyes at the top of the order sounds good, how about Upton/Reyes?
Would the Rays be willing to give up on Upton? Considering he is making 435k probably not, but he is eligible for arbitration this offseason. Crawford would be a nice fit, after all he is entering his prime, but Upton’s 2008, nothing special by his standards, is probably a good year from Carl Crawford. Upton has potential for much more where Crawford is a finished product.
Upton is a huge risk for this ballclub. If you bring in more positive players I would encourage the Mets to take the risk. Obviously it would all depend on what Tampa wants. I suspect Upton wouldn’t come cheap, but teams always surprise you. Upton could be a player that Omar Minaya possibly could steal coming off a bad year. Better question, would you trade Jose Reyes for Upton? I say no, but I wonder your thoughts.
October 3rd, 2009 at 11:48 am
What would the Mets give up? It would take more than Murphy and Parnell the darlings of many Met fans. Would you give up FMart,Familia or Holt, and Parnell? That’s what it would take.
October 3rd, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I would unequivocally trade Fernando Martinez. I am in the minority in waiting for his “tools” to come together. Could F-Mart and Parnell get it done? Could the Mets get a reliever back in return as well?
All I know is that we were told Tampa was scouting the Mets minors pretty extensively late this summer.
October 3rd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Even after his injury, Reyes is worth several BJ Uptons. He’s the same age, a better hitter, and plays a more valuable defensive position. Too many people forget what Reyes can do on the field because he smiles.
October 3rd, 2009 at 4:15 pm
I agree with you 100%, I still don’t want to give up on Reyes