Uptons

Here in New England, when we sportsfans hear the name Upton, we tend to think Bell, as in Upton Bell, the longtime sportswriter/broadcaster and early 70s Patriots GM. He also sports perhaps the most obvious toupe I've ever seen anywhere -- so obvious, in fact, that I'm convinced it is his actual hair. If that makes any sense. Click the link and see for yourself. Someone, please tug on it and clear this up for me! It's been bugging me for years. Anyway...

Of course, most savvy fantasy baseballers would've said B.J. when asked to name an Upton. With 14 homers, 13 steals, and a .325 average, he's at least 3 kinds of fantasy fabulousness.

Now we have another Upton. Called up yesterday by Arizona. B.J.'s "little" brother. (Check out the size of this kid.) 19 years old. #1 overall draft pick in 2005. He's got phenom written all over him. No pressure though Justin!

Now, the D-Backs have had worse production from right field than the Red Sox, if you can believe such a thing, and he's already out there playing. He logged an 0-fer in his debut, but don't let that disuade you from trying to pick him up. Notice, I said trying. In ESPN, he wasn't able to be added as a free agent; instead, the powers that be made him a waiver claim pickup. That's not a bad thing, actually... Too many hot rookies have snuck by even the most diligent daily players, too often going to night-owls and early-birds quick with the hair-trigger-waiver-finger. This might be more fair. Anyway, I've got my claim in. With Manny, Ichiro, Maggio, Markakis, and Patterson in the OF, and Dave Roberts in my Util slot, I decided to drop Roberts in favor of the superstar-to-be. But I'm only #5 in the claim queue, so I'm not holding my breath til Monday when he clears. Assuming I lose out, Roberts was 4-5 last night and his 21 steals suit me just fine otherwise.

I also added Jonny Gomes, he of the 4 homers last week, so I've got a bit of a log-jam and need to play match-ups to juggle the OFs.

Statistically, you'll have to expect it'll take Upton a while to get used to big league pitching. Strategically, you've gotta put your claim in. He's got that much potential. Don't believe me? Check out the ooohs and aaahs from this guy!

BTW, here's a great story about the Upton brothers from USA Today a few years ago. Reminds me of myself and my brother. Without the signing bonuses.