The Hardball Times Fantasy

B.J. Upton represents everything that is exciting and flawed in fantasy baseball. While tantalizing owners with his incredible power-speed potential, he has frustrated managers and doomed teams to the cellar with a terrible 2009.

Fantasy managers in 2007 waited with baited breath for Upton's first full season. He did not disappoint, posting a stellar .300/.386/.508 line to go along with 24 home runs and 22 stolen bases in 548 plate appearances. Nothing stood in his path to fantasy stardom, except the lingering concern of his lofty strikeout numbers, sitting at 154 for the season. Still, Upton seemed destined for stardom.

B.J.'s 2008 season was a bit human for this fantasy Superman, as his power all but disappeared, dropping to just nine home runs in 640 plate appearances, coupled with a drop in batting average to .273. This was partially made up for by a substantial increase in stolen bases, however, as his swiped bags total rose to 44.

While 2008 was nothing to write home about, Upton's stellar postseason, as well as a rumored shoulder injury, reminded owners of his tremendous latent power potential and ultimate upside.

Fast forward to August 2009. Upton's season has been an unmitigated disaster. His triple slash line sits at a pathetic .237/.312/.359. Hardly the type of player who breeds fantasy glory. Further, the rumored power surge never arrived, as Upton has hit just seven home runs in 477 plate appearances.

Upton has been completely lost at the plate this season, as evidenced by a decline in almost every meaningful secondary statistical indicator. The center fielder has posted three-year lows in the following categories: line drive percentage, walk rate, strikeout to walk rate, and HR:FB percentage. His contact percentage sits at 75.6 percent, down from 80.5 percent in 2008. His timing is way off, as evidenced by the fact that he has completely forgotten how to hit change-ups (Upton's run value per 100 change-ups: 2008: +1.71, 2009: -1.15).

In regards to this season, there is not much that can be done. Yes, he could turn it around in the final two months to help a team win a title, but he is not a player you should bet on. Winning fantasy titles is as much about superstars as it is about solid, consistent contributions. At this point, you must replace Upton if you haven't already.

For those in keeper leagues, Upton seems to be at a crossroads in his career. Upton can become one of two players, with either one being just as likely.

On the one hand, he could become Carl Crawford with more power and slightly fewer steals. Upton has shown that he can steal 40-50 bags and hit 20-plus homers. There were few fence scrapers among his 2007 home runs, so the power seems to have been real.

However, his unrelenting issues with strikeouts may turn him into the next Mike Cameron, albeit with less power. In the last three years, Upton has struck out at rates of 32.5 percent (2007), 25.2 percent (2008), and 29.6 percent (2009). Assuming the K-rates and middling power hold, Upton will never hit over .270. While he may have hit .300 in 2007, this was a complete BABIP mirage, as his balls in play average stood at .399. That's right, .399.

In a more realistic 2008 (realistic being relative, as his BABIP was still quite high), his .351 BABIP led to a .273 batting average. This .270 range is much more indicative of Upton's batting average potential, as no one who strikes out in 25 percent of their at-bats can hit .300 unless they can club over 30 home runs. If you're one to expect him to drop the K-rate, don't. Anyone who swings just 40 percent of the time with just an 80 percent contact rate will struggle with strikeouts. Patience is a virtue, but too much can be a vice.

If you find yourself in a one-year league, trade or bench Upton. Even if he does turn it around, by the time you trust him again, the year will over.

If you're in a keeper league, there are a few scenarios that could be beneficial.

First, if you are low in the standings, hold onto him and see if he can show some signs of progression in the last two months. This could be enough for you to keep him for next year or deal him to someone who will give up a worthy keeper. DO NOT CUT UPTON, especially if you are out of the race. There is still enough time in the season for him to make a case for next year.

If you are near the top of the league in the standings, know that Upton still has a lot of believers. Try to find an owner who needs a keeper and see if you can deal for a good player who can put you over the top.

In short, Upton has very little to offer this season. He's already been brilliant as well as disgraceful, so even a two-week burst doesn't mean he's figured out his woes. Think about it, at what point will you actually be willing to trust him in your lineup?

For keepers, the B.J. Upton Brand still has a lot of value, although his prospects for the future have taken a considerable hit. If you want my opinion, I think he'll eventually approach the star everyone predicts, posting multiple 20-40 seasons, albeit with low batting averages. However, it's up to you to decide whether it's worth finding out, in case he actually becomes the next Mike Cameron.

Returning from a brief hiatus, Mike is excited to be back at THT.

Mike's former writing homes include FireBrandAL.com and StatSpeak.net, while his content has appeared on Fangraphs.com, ESPN.com, and others. A lifelong Red Sox fan native to New York, Mike loves to blend baseball and statistical analysis.

Feel free to email him at mjasilver AT gmail DOT com.

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