The Braves stunned Philadelphia by signing Tampa Bay Rays free agent B.J. Upton. The Phillies were believed to be so close to signing Upton, so the GM may be FURIOUS that their division rival pulled off signing Upton.

Braves centerfielder Michael Bourn is also a free agent this offseason.  Maybe Atlanta will trade Bourn to the D-Backs for B.J.’s brother, Justin Upton, who is the star on the D-Backs. If so, that will be the first time related people will be on the same team since Ken Griffey, Sr and Ken Griffey, Jr on the Seattle Mariners in 1997.

Congratulations to Atlanta, and the decision might upset Philadelphia throughout the winter (on top of the Carlos Ruiz suspension). Even though the Nats-Braves series doesn’t start until 6/25/13, the Nats will face the speediest power hitter in the game right now and for the next 5 years. But, the level of competition between Upton and Ryan Zimmerman might not be that fierce. Zimmerman happened to be on the same Little League team as Upton, and are old friends!

Keep reading Matt’s Bats for all Hot Stove news during the offseason!

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