Upton Not Out

You don’t have to be a baseball aficionado to understand or even appreciate the talent of Arizona Diamondbacks out fielder, Justin Upton.  Last night in Arizona, the Diamondbacks picked up a solid victory over a struggling Chicago Cubs team, 10-5.  No doubt the Diamondbacks needed the win.  They currently sit in third place in the National League West at 36-35; trailing San Francisco and Los Angeles. 

However, last nights win could serve as a turning point for Arizona’s young All-Star.  Upton’s numbers are down this year, but there not horrible.  He’s currently batting .267 (career avg. is .276), slugging .394 (career avg. .478), and last night he hit his 7th homer of the season.  His on base percentage is right on target at .352; putting his overall OPS at .746 (his career OPS is .835). 

Again, not horrible numbers by any stretch, but still not on the level Diamondback fans want him to be on.

Upton went 2-2 with a walk in three at bats last night against the Cubs.  He homered to left center early then hit an RBI single to center field, giving the Diamondbacks a 3-2 lead and plenty of momentum going forward.

Diamondbacks first baseman, Paul Goldschmidt had a slightly bigger night going 3-5 that included a home run and a triple, but Upton’s performance had more significance.   

Arizona’s announcers seemed pleased with Upton’s night.  Ever since he was drafted first overall in 2005, Upton has been an intriguing player to follow.  At age 24, he doesn’t get the media attention of a Matt Kemp or Bryce Harper; essentially because he plays in Phoenix and not in a major market like LA, DC, or New York.  The intriguing part is that Upton is okay with that.  He seems fine going about his business in Arizona and not soaking in all the attention, which a former number one overall draft pick in a larger market, would be. 

The NL West is suddenly a highly competitive division with the Dodgers freight training the division early and the Giants returning to their somewhat old form from 2010.  The Diamondbacks won this division last season and if they want to repeat as champions then they need Upton to take his game from an All-Star level to a Super-Star level.  

He clearly has the athleticism and overall potential to do so.  Maybe last night’s feat was a start.  Upton appears to be settled in now and his peers in Arizona should have taken notice in the victory.