The Nationals have scouted B.J. Upton, but aren’t interested in acquiring him now and haven’t discussed a possible trade with the Rays, according to MLB.com’s Bill Ladson. Ladson’s source says the Nationals scouted Upton on routine assignments.
The Nationals are eyeing center field help around the league, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. However, they’re happy with the play of Rick Ankiel, who has become the everyday center fielder since the Nationals sent Nyjer Morgan to Milwaukee.
GM Mike Rizzo is a supporter of Ankiel’s because he can handle right-handers (.778 career OPS) and plays strong defense, though he struggles to hit left-handers and always has (.658 career OPS). Jerry Hairston Jr. and Roger Bernadina are other internal options for the Nationals to consider.
There was an interesting piece during a Red Sox – Rays game last year where they showed Upton’s stats vs. a “power fastball” or a pitcher in the top third in K/BB. He had some ungodly bad numbers due to a long swing then went to whiff on three straight Papelbon fastballs. I wonder if a new hitting coach could actually fix that in Upton.
And I realize this is purely speculative since those pitchers are naturally harder to hit and guys with fastballs like that tend to be decent pitchers but it’s an interesting thought.
They should target Marlon Bryd of the cubs
No, the Cubs would probably trade them Colvin, though.
I doubt that. Colvin is under team control for a lot longer at a fraction of the cost.
cory patterson come overpay for him
Mad about that double play too?
I’d rather have Michael Bourn if he becomes available…Nationals are in desperate need of a lead off
Blue Jays could really use Upton, a nice bat with great D. The Rays probably want low level prospects too, the Jays are a perfect fit in that regard.
Upton bats right
everything you know is wrong
I doubt they would trade him within the division. And why would the Rays want low level prospects as opposed to the type of solid and projectable players the Rays have been trading for lately?
If I were the Rays….i’d probably keep him, do they think Sam Fuld is going to be this good all year? now i don’t know what they really have prospect wise in OF’s but they might just wanna resign him…..as a cubs fan, i would love to have SOMEONE with speed on the team that could lead off. so i guess i’m asking………..do the Rays want Carlos Pena back????
Desmond Jennings is a solid outfield prospect. They can afford to lose Upton.
Victorino for Werth, straight up. Joking, of course, but given the Phillies’ struggles in the OF, I bet Charlie wishes he could pencil Werth into that 5 hole on game nights.