Good Bye Justin Upton: What Justin Upton’s Trade Means To The San Diego Padres

Today’s news of Kevin Towers dealing his star player, Justin Upton, to the Atlanta Braves is bittersweet. It is bitter in the sense that Upton wasn’t sent packing to San Diego. Any one who reads my blogs knows I am a huge Justin Upton fan and was rooting for him to be traded to San Diego.

I even wrote a blog about the impact Upton would have on the Padres, if he were traded here.  I know KT was just asking for our best prospects. But still. I wanted Upton at almost all cost.

Aug. 21, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton (10) singles to shallow left during the game against the Miami Marlins in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Although Upton is not a Padre, there is still reason to celebrate. For one, Upton is out of the National League West, as a Brave he would only play the Padres six times next year, as opposed to the 19 times if he were still with the D-Backs.

Let’s be real, Upton was a notorious Padre Killer.

In 80 career games against the Swinging Friars, the two-time All-Star did all the swinging, as he owns a career .323 average with 26 home runs, 37 RBIs and a .562 OBP. Upton’s career average, home runs and OBP against the Padres are the best amongst any other National League West team.

The damage doesn’t end there.

Upton could play the Padres on the moon, and he would still find a way to kill the Padres. Heck, Upton did the impossible at Petco Park, which was to put up great offensive numbers in what is considered a pitcher’s park.

The 2011 Silver Slugger has a .291 batting average, nine homers, 17 RBIs and seven stolen bases at Petco. To put up those numbers at Petco (before the outfield fences were moved in) just blows my mind. I hate to see the damage he would do with the fences moved in.

There is no escaping the 25-year-old. When the Padres traveled to Arizona, Upton would make an impact in the series. In 364 games at the D-Backs’ home field, Upton has a .307 average with 67 home runs and 219 RBIs. With those numbers at Chase Field, he can be dominant against any team.

Now, let’s take a look at Upton’s numbers at his new home at Turner Field:

For 17 games played, these numbers are not bad at all. When the Padres play the slugging right-fielder at his new location, he will definitely hurt them, based on his numbers at Turner Field.

Martin Prado who was one of  the key players acquired by the Diamondbacks for Upton and Chris Johnson, also has good statistics against the Padres but his numbers are a microcosm to what Upton has done to the Padres.

Prado, the 29-year-old Venezuelan has a .280 career batting average with four home runs and 12 RBIs in 27 games played against the Padres.

So there you have it.

Thank You, Kevin Towers for doing your former club a favor by trading away Upton. For that we say Good Bye Justin Upton! Pack your bags and don’t let the door hit you on the way out!

Statistics Courtesy Of: Baseball Reference