---------11/28/12------- UPDATE: Braves have signed B.J. Upton on multi-year deal. It's worth $75 million for five years.
It has been rumored for months now that the Atlanta Braves could like both B.J. and Justin Upton to join Jason Heyward in their outfield. However, as great as it may sound, it would bring more harm to the Braves lineup.
Firstly, this is the present situation in Atlanta. The Braves are seeking to sign B.J. Upton because the price seems right and would come cheaper than Michael Bourn, who is expected to break bank this offseason.
The Braves want B.J. badly as many believe he is their main free agent attraction this offseason. Both sides met, but no agreement has been reached as B.J. also met with the Philadelphia Phillies and supposedly, and boy do I hate these, a "mystery" team has joined the auction.
In comparison to the Phillies, the Braves are not spenders, so that right there doesn't look too promising for Atlanta.
Next, the Braves trading for brother Justin isn't too farfetched, but would the Arizona Diamondbacks really trade Upton straight up for Andrelton Simmons?
The D'Backs want a shortstop, but how desperate can they be? They would have to absorb some of Justin's contract and would let go of a 25-year-old outfielder who is not even in his prime.
It just doesn't make sense.
But we all know logic never plays a part in player signings and trades.
The Power of K
One thing is certain, if the Braves do somehow make this happen, they might have base stealing threat and the chance to lead the majors in homers, but they might set a record for strikeouts.
Their middle of the lineup boasts some of the leagues youngest and talented hitters, but they are also susceptible to strikeouts.
Freddie Freeman, the power hitting first baseman, has averaged about 135 strikeouts in his first two full seasons. Heyward, who along with Freeman is expected to be the future of the Braves' franchise, has averaged 124 strikeouts in his first three seasons.
Should Dan Uggla even be mentioned? He has averaged 154 strikeouts since becoming a major leaguer.
Sure the payoffs of smashing home runs during the regular season will be great, but as we saw in the playoffs with the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees, once you face the elite pitchers in the playoffs, home runs are scarce.
If anything, getting one of the Upton Brothers will be enough.
