Uptown Boys
By Jeff Schafer
…We’re all living in an Uptown world
A little rip from the great Billy Joel gets us started on this Friday. Ok, the Braves traded for Justin Upton…old news…and signed brother B.J. Upton…even older news. So, nowadays since we’re living in an Uptown world, let’s begin the discussion of “important” topics going into the 2013 season.
The newest member of the Atlanta Braves, Justin Upton. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Important like, what number will Justin wear, will the brothers wear their pant leg up, what’s the lineup going to look like….
Ever since that long, less then 24 hours, time ago when the Braves signed Justin Upton the speculation started in my head of what number could he possibly take. He has always worn #10 since he’s been a pro and even his twitter handle is @Jus10Up10. But, #10 is Chipper’s and will be retired that way. He’s worn the #2 before but I hardly doubt older brother B.J. will give up his newly given jersey number. He once said he wore #9 in high school because Michael Cuddyer, of the Colorado Rockies, wore the number on Team USA and he went to the same school as Justin. Will he go back to that number because of Cuddyer now? I doubt it. Scouts have always labeled him as being a Ken Griffey Jr. type player and Justin grew up a fan of Griffey’s. Since Michael Bourn will no longer be a Brave, the #24 is open. Another option is #8, no more David Ross (Boston Red Sox), which would suit Mr Upton nicely.
Former Tampa Bay Rays, now with the Atlanta Braves, center fielder BJ Upton (2) hits a 2-RBI double against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Griffith-USA TODAY Sports
B.J. usually rocks the high socks during games and last season we saw Jason Heyward supporting the same style occasionally. Will they be able to talk Justin into the new grave? Short and sweet, yes, they will talk Justin into wearing the pant leg up every once and awhile.
The lineup has been a topic on most boards and it’s always fun to imagine if you were in Fredi’s shoes how you would do it differently. Here is what I’m thinking the lineup should be.
- B.J. Upton CF (Right)
- Jason Heyward RF (Left)
- Justin Upton LF (Right)
- Freddie Freeman 1B (Left)
- Dan Uggla 2B (Right)
- Brian McCann C (Left)
- Francisco/Johnson 3B (Left/Right)
- Andrelton Simmons SS (Right)
- Pitcher
If you think differently about any of these topics, let us know we’d be happy to hear your options.