BJ Shows Us Some Pop

With the velocity that BJ Upton swings the bat, and the line drive power that he has shown previously, albeit during healthy seasons, I have always thought that BJ Upton was a lock for 20/20 years every single season.  We know he has the stolen base part down, but over the past two seasons combined has has only 20 HR.  He did hit 24 HR during the 2007 season, a season that a lot of people think was the last time that BJ was truly healthy and not bothered by wrist or shoulder issues.

Yesterday BJ hit 2 HR vs the Florida Marlins, one vs Ricky Nolasco and one vs Andrew Miller.  The 2 HR that went along with another hit, raised BJ’s average to .304 for the spring.

If BJ can hit in upwards of .270 and steal his 40 bases, and hit 20 HR to go along with his gold glove caliber D, he’ll be one of the best OF’s in the AL.

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Other notes from yesterdays game.

• Grant Balfour = Garbage
• Matt Garza had a solid outing going 5.0 IP with 2 ER and 4K’s to go along with 2 BB.
• Kelley Shoppach’s two hits raised his average to .412 for the Spring, and at this point, you’d have to think he has the upper hand on the starting catcher spot.