Unboxing B.J. Upton

While many were cheering on their favorite college football teams on Saturday evening, my family (minus the one cheering on her school’s team) was at Turner Field rehabilitating B.J. Upton. He deserves praise for a big three-run homer and walk-off single.

Being a strong critic — more because he often doesn’t seem to hustle and sometimes mindlessly lobs a ball to the cutoff man giving the runner an extra base — I eagerly praise this good performance.

Those close to the team say B.J. is trying very hard and is more disappointed than anyone with his grand underperformance after signing the biggest free-agent deal the Braves have ever made.

Yet he often looks disengaged, and clueless at the plate. But found his swing, if but for a night.

Of course, one game doesn’t make up for a dismal season. He has been fortunate that his team’s remarkable success has provided some cover.

Early in the season, a pre-planned B.J. Upton bobble head giveaway took place with little fanfare. In fact, I decided to keep B.J. in his box until his pitiful batting average reached the lowly “Mendoza line” of .200.

While he’s still short of that mark today, at .193, B.J. was largely responsible for Saturday night’s win. So I’m setting him free. (But saving the box.)

He is now strategically placed between Dan Uggla and Tommy Lasorda. One’s even-lower batting average might make him feel better — and the other’s choice words might motivate him.

Do well, B.J. We could use some key hits in October.

And get the ball in quickly to the cutoff man. Thanks.