Right hander B.J. Upton will change one-dimensional line-up of Atlanta Braves, says Frank Wren-MLB
Excessive availability of left handed batters to Atlanta Braves has made their line-up largely one-dimensional. Inclusion of right hander B.J. Upton can go a long way in diversifying it.
General Manager, Frank Wren has mentioned this aspect of the impact of Upton’s presence in the line-up after conclusion of a five-year contract with him.
Jason Heyward, Brian McCann and Freddie Freeman are the pillars of the Braves’ line-up.
As all three of them play left handed, an undesirable similarity was developing in the strength of the team. It can be believed that Atlanta included Upton on the roster purposefully.
As opposed to going after Michael Bourn, who played for them during 2012 season, they chose Upton. It clearly reflects the Braves overlooked Bourn because he is a left hander.
Rather than reinforcing the pattern, they have tried to bring variations in their line-up by signing an agreement with Upton.
Unlike leadoff role of Bourn, Upton will be placed at the middle of the line-up by Atlanta. After letting the opponents get used to throwing at the lefties, right hander Upton’s late entry can ruin their plans, forcing them to change their strategy.
This is what that might have motivated the Braves to add Upton.
Wren is extremely happy at the inclusion of Upton in the club. Considering him a suitable candidate to become a part of their future campaigns, he feels centre fielder is a healthy addition.
His speed and the ability to hit home-runs can help the club immensely.
The reason why Upton can fulfil the role in the team better than Bourn in that he can hit regularly as well as make fine plays in the field, according to Wren.
"It's one thing to have a leadoff hitter, which has been great for us, having that true leadoff hitter," Wren said. "We feel like we can find that or create that. But to get someone who can play center field at (Upton's) caliber and can also hit 20 to 30
home runs, that's a different dimension. We felt like that would really add to our offense and make our offense deeper.”
Upton will be looking to live up to the expectations of Wren and put up amazing performances in the upcoming season.
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