LA Angels Week Three Power Rankings

5.) Justin Upton (4)

The LA Angels and Billy Eppler know how to spend their money. Extending Justin Upton and keeping him from free agency was quite possibly their best move this offseason, and Upton is balling out for the Halos. He put out an all-around week, batting .320 with one big fly. He struck out five times, but also worked four walks in his six games. Upton is getting hot after a slow first week, and has even stolen two bases over the past week.

While he only drove in one run, Upton is slowly becoming the Angels’ second best hitter. Mike Trout is undoubtedly the best in the game, but Upton is the kind of player who will boost everyone around him as well. Whether he is driving in Trout with an RBI double, or scoring on a Pujols’ blooper to right field, Upton has been doing it all for the Halos. While he does not have the most range in left field, he has good athleticism, a good arm, and a good glove.

Upton has made his mark this season in the middle of games. He usually uses his first at-bat to try to figure the pitcher out while just trying to put the bat on the ball. When he faces a starter a second time around though, he has done damage with a .357 average and two big flies. Five of his 11 RBI’s come in these situations. For Upton, who is hitting .318 at home this year, the upcoming series against Boston will be a huge one for him to go above and beyond for the Halos.