There is a rumor that the Boston Red Sox are pursuing Arizona Diamondbacks star right fielder Justin Upton. While many fans and general managers expect the Red Sox to make a big push for stud free agents Carl Crawford and Jayson Werth, Justin Upton comes at a cheaper price and is much younger.
Arizona signed the talented outfielder to a five-year deal worth $51.25 million, which is probably close to half of what Crawford and Werth will command on the open market. Last season, Justin did not match his 2009 numbers of 84 runs, 26 homers, 86 RBI, .300/.366/.532. He regressed quite a bit, to the tune of 73 runs, 17 homers, 69 RBI, .273/.356/.442. Perhaps it was just a sophomore slump, or maybe a lack of motivation since the team was struggling. The Diamondbacks will be looking for a package deal of players who can step in now and some who can in the near future. Players who could be moved include Jacoby Ellsbury, Jed Lowrie, Casey Kelly, Felix Doubront, Anthony Rizzo, and perhaps even Jose Iglesias. The Boston front office is more intelligent than most when it comes to player evaluation, so I will not be surprised if they land the young phenom.
