This is ridiculous. Upton has been caught NOT hustling at least twice this season, both within the last week. The first time, his Manager Joe Maddon, waited until he got all the way out to centerfield before pulling him, and then benched him for the following game. One would think that would teach BJ his lesson, but apparently it didn't. I don't understand why a player with speed like him would just jog the bases. I mean, even if he doesn't sprint, as long as he's running, he's fine.B.J. Upton was tagged out while jogging on the basepaths again on Monday.
Awesome. He's like the Chuck Knoblauch of baserunning: he just can't hustle! Upton hit a ball that he thought was a homer, and trotted out of the box. The ball hit the wall, though, and Upton jogged to second. Mark Teixeira followed him and caught the relay throw, tagging Upton out before he got to the base. Upton was left in the game on Monday, and finished 2-for-5.
Hopefully this is just a couple of bad choices, isolated incidents. Look at Jose Reyes, people complain about his actions all the time, and he had 2 instances of lack of hustle last year, but he's at least hitting effectively and setting the pace for the Mets offense. Upton better get his head on straight. Anyone else think this could be of concern for the Rays?