Braves sign BJ Upton
 

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/ey...agree-to-terms


The Braves have agreed to terms with free-agent center fielder B.J. Upton, reports CBSSports.com Insider Jon Heyman. Once finalized, Upton's deal will be worth $75.25 million over five years.

The 28-year-old Upton is coming off a season in which he batted .246/.298/.454 for the Rays with 28 homers and 31 steals in 37 attempts. For his career, he has batted .255/.336/.422. Upton is also very much a defensive asset in center.

Upton provides plenty of power and speed on the bases, but the Braves must hope that he's able to return to his pre-2012 walk rates. His OBP decline is largely the result of a walk rate that fell from 11.1 percent in 2011 to 7.1 last season. For what it's worth, Bill James projects Upton in 2013 to bat .248/.329/.436 with 23 homers and 35 steals.

The signing of Upton certainly means that the Braves will part ways with incumbent center fielder Michael Bourn, who's also a highly coveted free agent.

So much talent, but a complete head case. He'll make some great catches in that ball park

$15 mil a year for a .255 hitter???

There better be some phenomenal sabermetrics on this POS. Churla?

im a braves fan, but im scratchin my head at this one. We already have uggla whos enough headache. Now were gonna have 2 guys who struggle to hit. It is what it is

Definite downgrade from Michael Bourn!

maybe by a lil, bourn tanked all 2nd half of last season tho. I think id rather have a 30/30 guy tho. Thats what braves are hoping for

Get ready for a guy who takes strike 3's while still holding the bat, and someone who tends to not RUN to 1st base.

But watch, he'll probably flourish with the Braves. But be ready to be frusterated and amazed all at the same time.

All this said, Rays fans loved watching him smash the Sox in the 08 playoffs. He'll be missed, especially by the long suffering Devil Ray fans

im sure hes better then dan uggla, that batted under .200 most of the year haha

Rumors going around that braves may trade for justin upton as well. BJ in interview today said he had talked with justin about playing together in ATL. Since nationals got Span i would like to see justin in ATL. wishful thinking tho

http://www.tampabay.com/multimedia/a...10_122059c.jpg

http://losthatsportsblog.com/wp-cont...1/05/upton.jpg

http://static.sportressofblogitude.c...b.j.-upton.jpg

Actually, no, not really....particularly, not to support that contract.