B.J. Uggla

The Braves’ two highest-paid players have been their worst. By far.

DOB shares these distressing stats:

Apparently Uggla is contagious

B.J.‘s .485 OPS ranks 188th out of 192 MLB qualifiers.

(.138 BA, 13 H 94 AB, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 9 BB, 34 K, .219 OBP, .266 slugging)

Uggla, with a .601 OPS, ranks 165th.

(.163 BA, 14 H, 86 AB, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 15 BB, 37 K, .287 OBP, .314 slugging)

The good news? They can’t get much worse. Check that — Uggla has gotten worse each year in Atlanta, so it wouldn’t surprise me if his BA remains south of .200 for the duration of the season.

The bad — really bad — news? The Braves will be paying Uggla through 2015 and B.J. through 2017. Handsomely.

FW has done some great work as GM — the trade for Justin Upton was unquestionably the shrewdest move of the offseason — but his track record on contract extensions and free agent signings remains pitiable.

Week 1 autopsy

• There’s a definite buzz about this team. More than 120,000 turned out for the Cubs series — and not many of them seemed to be rooting for the Little Bears. Yes, they got a boost from the Final Four, but the crowds have been more enthusiastic than in recent years. FSS and SS are also benefiting, as the three games vs. the Phillies registered the highest average rating for a season opening series in 11 years. The opener, meanwhile, was the most-watched since the 2000 opener on TBS.
• The Braves struck out 16 times twice this week  but still won both games. That’s all fine and good, but God forbid we end up facing Kershaw or Cain in the wild card game.
• B.J. Upton looked like a different hitter in the lead-off spot, walking three times and stealing two bases, in addition to Saturday’s heroics. Fredi said he may leave him there even after Andrelton returns (probably tomorrow). It’s worth nothing that B.J. posted OBP’s of .386 and .383 in his first two full seasons with the Rays.
• Speaking of Fredi … no complaints, earlier nitpicking notwithstanding. The confidence he showed in Avilan, using him against more than just LH batters, was rewarded. His bullpen management has improved by leaps and bounds from 2011.
• Speaking of the ‘pen: JV hasn’t been missed, and that’s not a reflection on him. Braves relievers are just that good.
• Frank Wren doesn’t have the best people skills but DL’ing Freddie was the right call. And I like that Freddie was pissed about it. Dude’s a gamer.
• What’s the over/under on Monday’s home opener for the Fish? I’ll be generous and say 32,000.
• Anyone still think the Phils and Yanks will make the playoffs?
• Why did I spend $20 on John Axford in my fantasy draft?

Cap du jour

Do the Braves need another streaky, strikeout-prone bat?

B.J. Upton hit 17 of his 28 homers in 2012 during two stretches of 7 games in August and 25 games in September

— David O’Brien (@ajcbraves) November 17, 2012

Braves vs. Phils

I’m not liking the Braves’ chances.

The way the negotiating stars are aligning, B.J. Upton is moving into the vortex of a Braves-Phillies competition for a center fielder.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) November 15, 2012

Braves targeting B.J.

According to Bowman, they hoped to sign Justin’s older brother and Torii Hunter, who went to Detroit instead. B.J. Upton is still available and no free agent has more potential.

He’s not quite as fast as Bourn, or as good defensively, but he’s above average. Offensively, he’s a mixed bag. His 28 HR in 2012 were a career best, but his OBP was a career worst .298. Strange, since the 29-year-old had two seasons early in his career with OBP’s above .380.

Still, I’ll take him over Cody Ross or Victorino.