An 'Expect More', 'Get Less' Type of Player

[DOUGHBOYS]

I'm going to pick on a player. It's easy for us to pick on a player. If he hasn't played well, we curse him, berate him, or pick on him.
I don't own him much, so I'll pick on him.

Remember in April when John Buck was the talk of baseball? He was the talk of baseball because his home runs and other stats were unworldly for a player who has never shown those kind of talents before.
During that time, Justin Upton owners were banking homers left and right. Braves fans were saying how smart their management was in getting Upton in a trade. They were going to have the best outfield in baseball.
By the way, there are individual players who have more rbi than the 'best outfield in baseball'.
Another by the way.....before the season....Braves, best outfield....Mets, worst.
Braves trio of Upton's and Heyward....86 rbi
Mets trio of, gulp, Byrd, Duda, and EYoung Jr....80 rbi

Personally, I hardly ever draft the Upton's. It's not about numbers. They seem so aloof when they play. They're not alone. I avoid a lot of players who show these Alfred E. Newman characteristics. Some players can play aloof and well. Robby Cano comes to mind.
Some cannot.
Starlin Castro comes to mind.
Braves fans thought the Upton's together would 'push' each other.
Instead, they play like they can't wait to get to the hotel room to play video games against each other.
If Justin Upton had a little bit of Brett Lawrie in him and Brett Lawrie had a little bit of Justin Upton in him, we'd have two great players. But, it doesn't work like that. For those of us with multiple kids, we wish we could instill a characteristic from one kid to another. It doesn't work that way.


Upton wore out his welcome in Arizona. Some blamed Kirk Gibson for being too gruff with him. I don't know about all that, but I can see how their personalities could clash.
We have to be careful in fantasy baseball. Numbers (EEEK!), don't tell us everything. We have to look at the men themselves sometimes.
There is nothing really wrong with Justin Upton. He wakes up each morning. He goes to work. He comes home.
We all do it.
Some of us are like SpongeBob Squarepants and can't wait to get to work.
Some of us just put in our time.
Justin Upton is just putting in his time.

When Upton arrived in Atlanta, he was amped to show what he could do.
He did just that. He hit 12 homers in April. This was more of a fantasy help then a team help. He only had 19 rbi to go with those 12 dingers.
More than two months later, he has 15 homers, total, and has only doubled his rbi to 38.

The talent is undeniable. He could break out at any time. But we say that about a lot of players. It's also the reason why he will continue to get big contracts.
It used to be 'What have you done lately?' in measuring contracts.
Now it is, 'what are the possibilities?'
Justin Upton will always have possibilities.
His natural abilities make him a star.
His natural aloofness keeps him from being a superstar.

[Outlaw]

There had to be reason the Dbacks gave up on him. Both Uptons are middle of the pack... after toying with both of them off and on for years, they are officially on my will never draft list again... some players are just not worth the aggravation or investment.