ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Justin Upton’s career year may end with an MVP award

Jul 28, 2011, 3:01 PM | Updated: 4:03 pm

Justin Upton’s talent and potential have been apparent for a long time.

Everyone knew the young right fielder was talented, yet he never seemed to be able to put it together for an entire season until now.

In 2011 Upton, who is hitting .303 with 20 home runs and 61 RBI, is finally putting up the numbers that everyone knew he could. In fact, his numbers are so good that he may be playing his way into the MVP race.

“This is his team,” Sports 620 KTAR’s Ron Wolfley said on Doug and Wolf. “Not only is he producing, but he is producing when his team needs it the most. Talent that wins in clutch situations is the definition of leadership.”

The two-time All-Star’s transformation this season has been obvious and it starts with his preparation and approach at the plate.

“I see from Justin Upton, with Don Baylor, much more focus at the plate,” Sports 620 KTAR’s Doug Franz said on Doug and Wolf.

Upton currently ranks in the top-10 in the National League in home runs, runs and slugging percentage.

He may not be at the front of MVP discussions right now, but if Upton continues to hit at this torrid pace and the D-backs continue to contend, Upton’s name will be mentioned for various awards throughout the summer.

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Justin Upton’s career year may end with an MVP award