Justin Upton – Padre Killer

At the start of each series, we at Chicken Friars will zero in on an opposing player known to be a “Padre Killer.” No matter the day, time or place, this player is known to be a one-man wrecking crew when it comes to playing against the San Diego Padres.

In this column, I will analyze that player’s statistics against the Friars and try to offer some insight into how not to let that player beat our beloved team..

The Padres finally return home to welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks for a three-game series at Petco Park, after a dismal 1-9 road trip that included stops in St. Louis, New York and Chicago.

Putting their road woes behind them will be no easy task because Justin Upton will look to snakebite the Padres once again.

The flashy outfielder is a two-time All-Star who always comes ready to play, but when it comes to playing the Padres, Upton is always spitting venom.

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com

Upton doesn’t just own the Padres-he thrives at playing at Petco Park and silences any talk of moving in the fences.

In 35 career games at Petco, Upton holds a .291 average with eight home runs and 16 RBI. Upton has better numbers at Petco than at any other NL West road ball park.

Honestly, there isn’t any way to pitch Upton. Every time he steps up to the plate I would intentionally walk him, even with two-outs and no runners on base. This guy is too dangerous. One bad pitch or one mistake on location can literally cost the Padres the game. If Upton does strike, the Padres just better hope it’s a non-venomous bite.