Shots Across the Bow: What's Upton?

Wednesday, 23 January 2013 22:38

Written by Bill Brink

Justin Upton may be on the move.

I know. We've heard that one before. ESPN's Buster Olney, among others, reports that the Braves are discussing an offer for the Diamondbacks outfielder.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers leaves for Africa on vacation Friday and would prefer to conclude the deal before then. That provides an interesting semi-timetable to these negotiations, which also reportedly include the option of sending Jason Kubel to the Orioles instead.

If either deal comes to fruition, the team receiving the Arizona outfielder would possess one of the better outfield trios in the majors. Upton would join his brother, B.J., and Jason Heyward in Atlanta, and Kubel could play alongside Adam Jones and Nick Markakis. Nate McLouth and Nolan Reimold would allow him to DH as well.

The Baltimore Sun's Eduardo A. Encina writes that the Orioles may not see Kubel as a big enough improvement.

The Arizona Republic's Scott Bordow questions the Diamondbacks' decision-making: Why trade Upton while also trying to win now?