Arizona Diamondbacks' Justin Upton: So Good, So Young

Slowly but surely baseball fanatics are changing their opinions about the Upton brothers. 

B.J., who plays second base and centerfield for the Tampa Bay Rays, burst onto the major league scene in 2004 at the age of 19.  He put up mediocre numbers and was often demoted to the Rays' Triple-A affiliate due to his lack of production. 

Justin Upton has yet to face such a rocky road.  Sure, his batting average was not stellar, but he produced well at the plate with 11 RBI in limited action. 

Upton was the youngest player in the majors all of last year.  Even as a second year player, he retains that title. 

The Arizona Diamondbacks are off to a sizzling start, and anyone who has followed the MLB at all this season is aware that Upton is largely responsible for this success. 

He is hitting at a .342 clip, ninth best in the National League.  Additionally, he has driven in 16 runs, while scoring 19.  

I'm almost too afraid to use the term "upside" to describe this kid because he is already so good, but wow.  Given five or six years to become more accustomed to playing against such talent, I am worried for the rest of the league.  

Upton is tearing the cover off the ball at age 20.  If he can physically mature, I wouldn't hesitate to compare him to Ken Griffey, Jr. 

Admittedly, to ever reach the level of Griffey, Jr., he needs to improve in centerfield.  Griffey was a perennial Gold Glove winner in addition to raking at the plate.

But I can absolutely assure you that Upton will not be a bust.  He will not follow the paths of many others before him, touted to be "The Next Great Thing.” 

Upton will work hard enough to live up to the expectations and create a new buzz in Arizona.