Justin Upton Q&A
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/06/justin-upton-qa.html
Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton is currently not among the top 15
outfielders for the NL All-Star Game voting. This needs to change. He's
putting up huge numbers as a 21 year-old - .322/.396/.592 in 197 plate
appearances with 9 HR and 29 RBI (plus a grand slam tonight). Click here to
vote for Upton now! You can vote up to 25 times.
Once you're done with that, how about a Q&A with Upton? He was kind enough
to answer questions for MLB Trade Rumors.
MLB Trade Rumors: How much trash-talking goes on between you and B.J.? Who's
got more skills as an outfielder?
Justin Upton: Not a lot, we are both very supportive of each other and want
each other to do well. When we hang out off the field there is a lot of trash
talk and a lot of times it takes place on the golf course. We will trash talk
about video games or make fun of each other's clothes, but on the field we
are very supportive and only want to see each other do well. As for who is
the better outfielder, that is a tough one to answer since we play different
positions. But...I'll give that nod to B.J. as of today. He has made some
amazing catches so far this year and has made some sick throws...but I am
working hard everyday to be a better outfielder and I'm not far behind.
MLBTR: Are you starting to enjoy it out there? I read an article from '04
where you said you did not like the outfield.
Upton: It was an adjustment at first, I mean I played shortstop all my life
where you are involved in every play on defense in some way. When I was asked
to move to the outfield I was skeptical but the more I played out there the
more comfortable I felt and the more I learned about the ins and outs of the
position and to be honest I would have played whatever position would have
gotten me to the big leagues the quickest. The D'Backs had Stephen Drew at
shortstop, so the outfield was the fastest way for me to get to the big
leagues. So I was all for it.
MLBTR: You'll be eligible for free agency as a 26 year-old, after the 2013
season. People might draw an Alex Rodriguez parallel, especially with you
both being No. 1 picks as well. What are your thoughts on that comparison?
Do you think the free agent process will be enjoyable?
Upton: To be honest I don't think that far down the road. I am 21 years old
and I am only in my second full season, my goal is to stay healthy and be
productive this season. If I do what I know I can on the field, the rest will
take care of itself, no use stressing about it now. As far as the A-Rod
comparisons, I don't like to compare myself to anyone on or off the field. I
can only go out there and be myself, I'll leave the comparing to the media.
MLBTR: Was Larry Reynolds an easy choice to be your adviser, since he was
B.J.'s agent? Did you have to fend off a lot of agents coming after you?
Upton: I think most people knew that Larry would be my adviser so I didn't
get too many people approaching me. There were a few people that didn't know
about my relationship with Reynolds Sports that did approach me but I had
been close with them since I was 15 when they were working with B.J. so to me
it was a no-brainer. To have that stressful part of the process taken out of
the equation it made it easier for me to just deal with playing baseball and
getting drafted.
MLBTR: Your first big league at-bat was kind of a low-pressure
situation...down 11-0, in San Diego against Wil Ledezma. What was going
through your head?
Upton: Low pressure for who? Haha - I was a 19 year old kid in his first
Major League at-bat, for me there was a ton of pressure. That was a moment I
had waited my whole life for, all the hard work and countless hours of sweat
and determination all culminated with that at-bat. It was a dream come true
and it was over so fast I don't even remember what I was thinking...I was
probably thinking, "get a hit!"
MLBTR: Back in May of '08, Larry Reynolds told ESPN's Jayson Stark he'd worry
about your contract stuff the following year. Have there been any
preliminary extension talks with the D'Backs?
Upton: I let Larry handle all that stuff, my job is to play baseball. I am
not going to worry about the contract stuff, not yet at least. I love playing
in Arizona, the fans are great. I love my teammates, we are a close-knit
bunch and I know we are going to be competitive for a long time in the NL
West. I hope I play here for a long, long time but it's too early to worry
about all that stuff. If they wanted to talk long-term deal, I would
certainly listen but for now I am just playing the game, having fun and
looking to win ballgames.
MLBTR: Your signing bonus was a record at the time, but Stephen Strasburg
might quadruple it. What are your thoughts on that?
Upton: Good for him, I hope he gets every penny he deserves. I am very happy
with the signing bonus I got and I am only concerned with the D'Backs' draft
and getting guys that can help our team going forward.
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