Bossman junior sounds like the name of a main guy you have to fight right before you fight the real main guy at the end of a level in some 1980’s Nintendo game. He’s not exactly the boss, but he’s harder to beat than any other enemy in that level. Melvin Upton Jr. claims that his name change had nothing to do with getting a fresh start or trying to change his luck after two piss poor seasons in Atlanta. And when I say “piss poor” that might be an understatement. If he wanted to change his name to reflect his time with the Braves he could have gone with Sh*thead Upton Jr. That first name, by the way, is actually a legitimate name. I believe it’s commonly pronounced shi-theed. Ain’t that some sh*t!
Melvin Upton Jr. appears to have changed more than just his name. If I didn’t know any better, and technically I don’t, I’d believe that Melvin has changed bodies with his little brother Justin. Baseball’s version of a body switching movie. You know like Vice Versa, Like Father Like Son or 18 Again. My personal favorite is Dream A Little Dream. Love me some Coreys. Great soundtrack too.
This year Justin Upton had an average draft position of about 50. Melvin went undrafted. Based on year-to-date performances, Justin should not have been drafted and Melvin is currently a top 40-ish outfielder. Over the previous three seasons Justin has averaged 27 home runs, 84 RBIs, 85 runs and 15 stolen bases. This season he is on pace for 17 home runs, 67 RBIs, 72 runs and 9 stolen bases. Those stats scream “waiver wire”. Melvin, on the other hand, has averaged 9 homers, 26 runs batted in, 40 runs scored and 14 steals over the last three years. At his current pace he will end this year with 25 homers, 75 runs batted in, 73 runs scored and 32 steals. Melvin is partying like it’s 2011/2012 which appears to be his best statistical seasons. For those that prefer sabermetrics, Melvin’s WAR (1.87) has him sandwiched between Todd Frazier (1.95)/Mark Trumbo (1.98) and Jon Lester (1.85)/Charlie Blackmon (1.82).
As a Blue Jay Upton is now part of a much more explosive (productive) offense. With 501 runs scored, the Blue Jays have the scored the fourth most runs of any team this season. Only the Red Sox (560), Cardinals (513) and Rockies (517) have scored more, and I’m not even sure it’s fair to count the Rockies. Melvin is now playing for a contender and I think he’s on the fast track to a 25/30 season. Just don’t expect him to repeat this next year.
The player formerly known as Bossman Junior can say whatever he wants, but if my name was BJ, I’d have changed it long ago. And in other non-related news, Josh Hader appears to be running away with the ugliest pitcher in the minor leagues award.
