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B.J. Upton Claimed; No Deal

By Mike Axisa | August 29, 2011 at 12:46pm CDT

MONDAY: The deadline to trade Upton has passed, notes Topkin, so he's staying with the Rays.

SATURDAY: B.J. Upton has been claimed off trade waivers by an unknown team, reports Marc Topkin of The St. Petersburg Times. The Rays have until Monday to work out a trade with the claiming team or pull their center fielder back, and Topkin says a deal seems unlikely as of right now.

Upton, who just turned 27, was a popular name before the trade deadline as teams looked for alternatives to the pricier Hunter Pence and Carlos Beltran. The Braves, Indians, Phillies, Giants, Pirates, and Nationals all had interest in July, though the first five teams ended up with other outfielders. The Nats may still have interest, though again we don't know which team actually made the claim.

Scheduled to become a free agent after 2012, Upton is being paid $4.825MM this season and will be arbitration-eligible again this winter. He's hitting just .224/.304/.390 with 17 homers in 495 plate appearances this year, but as always a big chunk of his value comes from his legs (26 steals) and defense (fourth best UZR among all center fielders since 2009).

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Comments

  1. James Tyron

    9 years ago

    Marlins perhaps? 

    Like
    Reply
    • Garafraxaguy

      9 years ago

      AL teams have first crack, so I would doubt he gets to any NL team. My guess is Orioles

      Like
      Reply
      • Lunchbox45

        9 years ago

         Orioles?? how would that make any sense..

        Upton’s only value is in CF, last I checked Orioles are set in that department.

        Like
        Reply
  2. Kyle Buttermore

    9 years ago

    Indians

    Like
    Reply
    • Rashad Bruce

      9 years ago

      probably since brantly hit the dl

      Like
      Reply
  3. grownice

    9 years ago

    Im randomly guessing Dbacks

    Like
    Reply
    • S

      9 years ago

      Big woop wadda fide about it?

      Like
      Reply
    • Bucs

      9 years ago

      Patty Tanegar the caddy manager… Priceless

      Like
      Reply
  4. Jack Hochstetter

    9 years ago

    hmmm nats
     

    Like
    Reply
  5. Cody

    9 years ago

    Red Sox should try we really need a RH bat for right field. Just don’t know if they would trade in the Division. Maybe if we give them more than there asking for. Man he would be a nice pice for us.

    Like
    Reply
    • grownice

      9 years ago

       Pretty sure the sox are good enough, leave some for the rest of the league.

      Like
      Reply
      • Cody

        9 years ago

        Not my fault the Red Sox have a huge payroll and can afford to get anyone they want. If your team had the the same resources and payroll you would be saying the same thing.

        Like
        Reply
        • Brian R.

          9 years ago

          Remember when the Red Sox used to complain about the Yankees buying championships? 

          Like
          Reply
          • Lunchbox45

            9 years ago

            oh yah, where would the sox be this year with out their last 2 big FA acquisitions, Crawford and Lackey..

            Sox have one of the best track records in terms of drafting and player
            development. They have home grown all star talent signed to
            ridiculously team friendly contracts and trade their excess prospects
            for other players…

            Like
            Reply
            • angryredmenace

              9 years ago

              You forgot about the trade for Adrian Gonzalez , which was in many no different than buying a player.I wonder how the Red Sox would look without his production.And just to be noted, I ‘m not complaining about buying players, if a team has the resources, go for it.

              Like
              Reply
          • MB923

            9 years ago

            I also remember the Tainted championship arguments and the “Joke of a ballpark” arguments.

            Things the Yankees and Red Sox fans should not argue about

            1- Payroll
            2- Steroids and tainted championships
            3- Fan base
            4- Whose stadium is a joke

            Like
            Reply
        • Hector Cortes

          9 years ago

          Where exactly is Upton gonna play?  The Red Sox’s already have a good young CF there really isn’t a need for another one and Upton really shouldn’t DH either which he can’t do anyway with David Ortiz there as well…

          Like
          Reply
          • MaineSox

            9 years ago

            “Red Sox should try we really need a RH bat for right field.”  – Cody

            Like
            Reply
            • notsureifsrs

              9 years ago

              he’s not even hitting lefties this year

              Like
              Reply
              • wickedkevin

                9 years ago

                He’ll fit right in.

                Like
                Reply
                • MaineSox

                  9 years ago

                  With who?  The Sox have been killing lefties this year.

                  Like
                  Reply
                  • S

                    9 years ago

                    Kevin 26 minutes ago in reply to notsureifsrs
                    He’ll fit right in.<——- that is called "sarcasm", you alcoholic.

                    Like
                    Reply
                    • MaineSox

                      9 years ago

                      How’d you know?

                      Like
                      Reply
              • MaineSox

                9 years ago

                I don’t think the Sox should get him, I was just telling him that Cody had already answered his question.

                Like
                Reply
        • craigkimbrelfan

          9 years ago

          My team spends less, way less, and has an even record as yours.

          Like
          Reply
  6. Brian M

    9 years ago

    One thing I know for FACT, the rays will not just “let him go” a la Alex Rios with the blue jays.  They lost their best opportunity to get maximum value for him at the trade deadline. 

    Like
    Reply
    • Cody

      9 years ago

      I never said they would I actually said the Red Sox should give more so they will trade in the division. I’m guessing a couple top 20 prospects gets it done.

      Like
      Reply
      • notsureifsrs

        9 years ago

        i will give you five american dollars to root for a different team

        Like
        Reply
        • Jon Stark

          9 years ago

          I think he means top 20 in the Red Sox system, which is less ridiculous then I think you may have read it.

          Like
          Reply
          • notsureifsrs

            9 years ago

            well sure – boston doesn’t even have one top 20 overall prospect, let alone two

            it would be one thing if they had any use for upton whatsoever. i’m an upton fan; despite his struggles, i like the player. but the idea of boston trading two top 20 organizational prospects for him is ass-chappingly dense

            Like
            Reply
  7. alfredo espinoza

    9 years ago

    I think it’s the white sox that claimed him because they will need a lead-off hitter for next year since pierre will become a free agent

    Like
    Reply
    • Lunchbox45

      9 years ago

       and take AB’s away from Rios?

      Like
      Reply
      • alfredo espinoza

        9 years ago

        at this point anything is better than rios

        Like
        Reply
      • MB923

        9 years ago

        What, is that a Bad thing?

        Like
        Reply
  8. rockfordone

    9 years ago

    White Sox -for Jorden Danks –  look for then a trade with Cubs – Big Z and Soriano for Rios and Dunn + = money

    Like
    Reply
    • Isaac

      9 years ago

      DEAL

      Like
      Reply
    • alfredo espinoza

      9 years ago

      yes, I agree. and plus it would give all players involved a 2nd chance at resurrecting their careers….sox can also then trade peavy, danks, and quentin for an ace pitcher

      Like
      Reply
      • Isaac

        9 years ago

        Peavy for Burnett, Prospect or two and 25 million?

        Like
        Reply
        • alfredo espinoza

          9 years ago

          i’d rather trade quentin, peavy, floyd, dunn for texeira and other players

          Like
          Reply
      • Jon Stark

        9 years ago

        hahaha, that doesn’t get you an Ace pitcher.

        Like
        Reply
        • alfredo espinoza

          9 years ago

          danks and quentin together along with a prospect would get you an ace…..considering danks and quentin won’t demand a lot of money on their contracts

          Like
          Reply
          • FrankTheFunkasaurusRex

            9 years ago

            why would any team trade an ace for Danks and Quentin +, unless the prospect is like really really good?

            Like
            Reply
            • brian310

              9 years ago

              because Danks is going to be an ace and is already a young stud pitcher?

              Like
              Reply
              • Matt Busche

                9 years ago

                Danks ERA is good for 24th in the AL this year, his WHIP 27th. He’s in the 20’s in nearly every category for AL only. I’d hardly consider him a young stud pitcher.

                Like
                Reply
  9. laxtonto

    9 years ago

    Texas? Put him in CF and at the bottom of the lineup and see what happens. It is not like they would not have the necessary prospects to move in case they want to acquire him…. and just to really stir the pot..

    “Martin Perez was scratched from his Round Rock start on Friday night and was replaced by Eric Hurley.”

    Like
    Reply
    • RonWashingtonISinsane

      9 years ago

      Are you implying a Upton for Perez swap? Hahaha, never gonna happen.

      Like
      Reply
  10. RaysAllTheWay8

    9 years ago

    Wonder if the Shoulder injury is still lingering ? But I highly doubt that BJ gets traded by Monday . The Rays just don’t want cash and a PTBNL … They want at least 2 lower level prospects

    Like
    Reply
  11. bigpat

    9 years ago

    He will not be traded, I can assure you. No way Tampa trades their biggest chip on the waiver deadline.

    Like
    Reply
    • Dynasty22

      9 years ago

      But Longoria wasn’t claimed.

      Like
      Reply
  12. John Stefan

    9 years ago

    It’s possible the Cardinals placed this waiver claim on BJ Upton.  With Rasmus gone, Jon Jay slumping, and no clear cut top of the order, base stealing threat guy (Furcal has slowed down)…this might be a fit.  Plus, St Louis has plenty of prospects to deal. 

    Like
    Reply
  13. Threat_Level_RedSox

    9 years ago

    Im guessing Oakland, maybe Seattle. His defensive ability would work well in Safeco or the coliseum and any rebound in offensive production at the begining of next season would net either team some quality prospects at the trade deadline if they chose to trade him.

    Like
    Reply
    • notsureifsrs

      9 years ago

      safeco would only hurt upton’s RH power and the mariners already have a defense-first centerfielder who’s much better defensively than him

      Like
      Reply
  14. windycitywarrior

    9 years ago

    Carlos Quentin for Upton. Then they trade Peavy for Jason Bay. Trade Rios to the Yankees for Burnett. Bring Viciedo up to play RF. Resign Buerhle

    B.J. Upton CF                           Mark Buerhle
    Alexei Ramirez SS                      A.J. Burnett
    Paul Konerko 1B                        John Danks
    Dayan Viciedo RF                      Gavin Floyd
    Adam Dunn DH                          Chris Sale
    Jason Bay LF
    A.J. Pierzynski C
    Brent Morel 3B
    Gordon Beckham 2B

    Like
    Reply
    • Jon Stark

      9 years ago

      Why would the Rays trade Upton for Quentin, that makes almost no sense for them?

      Like
      Reply
      • windycitywarrior

        9 years ago

        Cause they could move Jennings to CF and either plug Quentin at a corner spot or DH him. He is controlled for at least one more year. I dont think it would make NO sense. They have a great farm system so I would think they would want a major leaguer for Upton. What a concept. Actually get big league talent for your players instead of a hit or miss prospect.

        Like
        Reply
    • brian310

      9 years ago

      Quentin is also hurt right now and is known to be injury-prone

      Like
      Reply
      • windycitywarrior

        9 years ago

        He had a broken hand from hitting his bat in 08 and plantar facisis in 09. He has had little injuries but nothing that would label him injury prone or anything.

        Like
        Reply
  15. Encarnacion's Parrot

    9 years ago

    I’m gonna guess the Blue Jays. It’s buy low, Rasmus is on the DL with the rosters expanding before he returns, and he’s a definite upgrade over DeWayne Wise. He’s also a pretty good trading chip in the offseason.

    Like
    Reply
    • notsureifsrs

      9 years ago

      which is why the rays won’t be trading him to the up-and-coming jays right now

      Like
      Reply
      • Encarnacion's Parrot

        9 years ago

        Probably not, but a waiver claim by them does make sense.

        Like
        Reply
  16. WM14

    9 years ago

    How exactly do the waiver trades work?  Can Upton be traded for any player in another organization, including players on the active roster, or just for minor league players?  Similarly, if a player passes through waivers, is not claimed, and can be traded to any team, who can be included in the trade?  Is it all players including active roster players, or is it limited to minor league players, etc.?

    Like
    Reply
    • notsureifsrs

      9 years ago

      mlbtraderumors.com/2008/08/waiver-trade-ex.html

      Like
      Reply
  17. Beersy

    9 years ago

    Upton would sure look good running around right field in Petco.  Hoyer took a chance on Maybin last winter and it has paid off big time.  With the way Venable has been playing lately, going into next season with a starting outfield of Venable, Maybin and Upton would be very exciting and exactly the kind of defense you need in Petco.  I think all Upton needs is a change of scenery and what better place than sunny San Diego to get your career back on track.  Of course the way Blanks has been playing as of late the Padres probably aren’t interested in an outfielder, but a man can dream can’t he.

    Like
    Reply
    • Dynasty22

      9 years ago

      You don’t like Blanks?

      Like
      Reply
      • Beersy

        9 years ago

        No I like Blanks just fine.  I am however of the belief that with Petco being such a large field, the Padres should have 3 centerfield types roaming the pasture.

        Like
        Reply
  18. Guest

    9 years ago

    It’s the Packers.

    Like
    Reply
    • kldhca

      9 years ago

      We wont know who it is until Monday or the trade is done, IMO

      Like
      Reply
      • John DiRienzo

        9 years ago

        notsureifsrs

        Like
        Reply
  19. Rashad Bruce

    9 years ago

    i think its stl.. with berkman probably retire… they need  more outfield depht.. corey patterson sucks…U GIVE JOHN JAY  a BREAK.. this gives stl speed and pop

    Like
    Reply
  20. kldhca

    9 years ago

    I don’t think he gets out of the AL

    Like
    Reply
  21. Joe Wright

    9 years ago

    Indians: They’re dumb enough

    Like
    Reply
  22. Matt Galvin

    9 years ago

    Red Sox’s SS.
    Indians 2B intill Kilpnis gets back then CF.
    Rangers CF

    Like
    Reply
  23. venom4789

    9 years ago

    i wonder if it is the white sox, there was a comment made about them yesterday claiming someone who can help for a while. Just wonder who they would have given up.

    Like
    Reply
  24. RobA

    9 years ago

    So, reading through these comments I’m struck by the fact that most people here think BJ is a highly desirable player. He’s crap. Granted, as a CF, he has SOME value. But even then, he’s 17th out of 19th in OPS for CF. And CF are not exactly known for mashing the ball.

    He had one great year (4 years ago) a couple ok years, but just as many crappy years. For whatever reason (probably because of his brother, and the fact that he was a 2nd overall pick) he still seems to be a “name” player, and probably has trade value. But if I’m the Rays, I trade him now before he kills whatever trade value he has.

    Like
    Reply
    • notsureifsrs

      9 years ago

      he’s 26 with super tools at a premium position and a high ceiling he’s proven he can reach. they’re not excited about what he’s done recently, but what he can do going forward

      Like
      Reply
      • RobA

        9 years ago

        Of course what they’ve done recently matters.  Aaron Hill is only 2 years removed from a 35 HR .829 OPS season. Does that mean he’s going to be an impact player? The best predictor of future performance is past performance, and Upton has had one really good season out of 7. All the tools in the world don’t matter if the player doesn’t know how to put it together on a consistent basis. BJ is 27. This is supposed to be the prime of his career, and he’ll start his decline soon. There is no more ceiling to the guy. We’ve seen what he’s capable of doing, but he doesn’t seem willing or able to get back there.

        Like
        Reply
        • notsureifsrs

          9 years ago

          i didn’t say it didn’t matter, so who are you talking to?

          whether or not you agree about his potential, it is the reason people — professionals and laymen alike — think as highly of him as they do

          Like
          Reply
    • Fifty_Five

      9 years ago

      I’d go after him BECAUSE his value is low. And a 26 year old with three 4 WAR seasons under his belt is still pretty desirable. And he’s a “name” player because of his tools. He’s got +power for his position, +speed, and we all know about his defense too. Thats stuff that you can work with especially at his age.

      Like
      Reply
      • notsureifsrs

        9 years ago

        put him in a park like arlington and he’s likely a 4+ WAR player right away

        Like
        Reply
  25. TJC...CFFL

    9 years ago

    Rangers maybe?

    Kinsler-2B
    Andrus-SS
    Hamilton-LF
    Beltre-3B
    Young-DH
    Napoli/Torrealba-C
    Cruz-RF
    Moreland-1B
    Upton/Chavez-CF

    1.Wilson
    2.Ogando
    3.Harrison
    4.Lewis
    5.Holland

    LRP-Feldman
    MRP-Lowe
    MRP-Tateyama
    MRP-O’Day
    SU-Uehara
    SU-Adams
    CP-Feliz

    Thats SO scary……..on paper

    Like
    Reply
    • notsureifsrs

      9 years ago

      way scarier if you put andrus to the bottom of the lineup where he belongs and slot young 2nd

      kinsler
      young
      hamilton
      napoli
      cruz
      beltre
      moreland
      upton
      andrus

      Like
      Reply
      • RonWashingtonISinsane

        9 years ago

        I’d pass on Upton just cause we have Leonys Martin coming up who could be better than Upton.

        Like
        Reply
  26. Fifty_Five

    9 years ago

    The Rangers are really the only AL team I can see claiming him. But still, my bet is he’ll probably end up a Nat when its all said and done. Rizzo has been drooling over Upton for two years now and I can see him overpaying in the winter

    Like
    Reply
  27. Ryan S.

    9 years ago

    I think it was the Nats. He won’t affect any team’s pennant race chances and I don’t see an AL team that really thinks that he helps their chances this year or next. Also, the Nats (Rizzo) want him in an almost unhealthy way. 

    Like
    Reply
  28. optionn

    9 years ago

    Friedman was just gathering information about his value.  Not a surprise that he was claimed and retained.

    Like
    Reply

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