Our occasional disappointment in BJ Upton is often misconstrued as a dislike for the player. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are huge Bossman fans. So you can understand our excitement when we read Marc Topkin’s piece on Upton. A few of the bigger points…
- Upton added 7 pounds of muscle this winter.
- Upton…”realizes the indiscretions of his past, such as the lack of hustle and lackadaisical play, and he’s ready to reform.”
- He attended many of the off-season workouts and spent a lot of time with new hitting coach Derek Shelton.
But maybe the most exciting statement from the article comes from Joe Maddon:
Eventually this guy is going to be a superstar.
Yes. Yes he will.
DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…
- Be sure to scroll down if you missed the Hangovers from this weekend. Much more action than usual.
- Marc Topkin writes about Evan Longoria’s concerns about the Trop’s turf (sore hammys), Pat Burrell’s new shape (less round) and more ABs for Willy Aybar. [St. Pete Times]
- Willy Aybar reported to camp and says his wrist is healed with “no restrictions.” Aybar injured his wrist during winter league ball. [Tampa Tribune]
- Roger Mooney spoke with Wade Davis about fishing, movies and early childhood memories. And is THIS movie really one of Big-Dub’s favorite baseball movies? Never even heard of it. [Rays Report]
- Dennis Maffezzoli notes that fan attendance at the Rays workouts have been surprisingly low so far. [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
7 Comments
I wonder if BJ’s arb case has anything to do with his “lack of hustle” comment? Good luck BJ!
Something about Burrell working out with Longo all off-season makes me very optimistic. I’ve been pulling for “The Bat” to return to form this season and hopefully this is just one of many tell-tales that it is happening.
Seems like everyone is hungrier this year, look out ALE!
“Seems like everyone is hungrier this year, look out ALE!”
Especially Navi. Look out Village Inn!
I think PtB’s going to have a monster year. He’s playing for his baseball life.
As for Bossman, I imagine many years from now, we’re going to look back as say, “Can you believe the 2008-2010 Rays had Carl Crawford, Evan Longoria, AND BJ Upton… all on the same team!”
Upton is at the end of his rope…for “unlimited potential”…he knows that /realizes it….if he doesn’t perform this year he is on a bus to Min. or whoever has another Garza/Bartlett…
Now or never Upton!
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