Is Upton ready?

[tonypug]

With all the talk about Julio Lugo being traded, we now have to ask the question, is B.J. Upton readt to be the every day shortstop? There seems to be no question about his bat, it's his ability to field the position. He makes the spectacular plays, but boots many basic plays, which can spell disater for a very young pitching staff. Even after all the front office changes, it was being said that Upton neede another year in AAA, I wonder whats changed?

[Jake83]

With all the talk about Julio Lugo being traded, we now have to ask the question, is B.J. Upton readt to be the every day shortstop? There seems to be no question about his bat, it's his ability to field the position. He makes the spectacular plays, but boots many basic plays, which can spell disater for a very young pitching staff. Even after all the front office changes, it was being said that Upton neede another year in AAA, I wonder whats changed?

You give Upton the chance to prove himself. If he is the talented young prospect like everyone says he should be able to adjust his game to the major league level. Tampa Bay doesn;t have thoughts of going to the postseason in 2006 so why keep Upton in the minors. The things you said about Upton sounds like a young Miguel Tejada from 1998- about half way through 2000 he was one of the worst shortstops in baseball but he was able to adjust to beome one of the game's most dominate players. Tampa Bay is like Oakland in the late 90's give the guy and Young a chance to prove themselves. I guess that is why Maddon and their new GM is trying to trade Lugo. They gave Cantu and Gomes a chance an dook how they played. Cantu is one of the games best young 3rd basemen and Gomes is a power hitting corner outfielder. Tampa has a great young nucleus so why not trade Lugo and try to get some pitching the only positon Tampa is voided in talent.

[grizzly451]

It looks more and more like Lugo is getting traded for Marte from the Braves, who is a third basemen, which given that the Devil Rays have Cantu I don't really understand. I really hope Marte gets to start where he ends up, assuming he is traded of course.

[raysnbran]

Upton

First of all, the latest hot rumor is that the Rays are trading disappointing Dewon Brazelton to San Diego for disappointing 3rd baseman Sean Burroughs. So that takes of 3rd base, as Cantu will move back to 2nd base. The latest I heard on Upton is that Lugo will get traded, they will re-sign Alex Gonzalez to play SS to start the year,start upton at AAA Durham, then bring him up in June or July. I would rather suffer through Upton at the major league level too. Jeter had 60 errors when he first started in the minors, and now he's one of the best in the game. If Huff, Lugo, Gathright etc getting traded can bring us some proven vet starters, they can pitch out of jams that Upton might create. We need his bat in the lineup too much to stick him in Durham.

[tonypug]

The Brazleton for Burroughs trade is now a fact. In todays paper Upton said he had a good talk with management,and feels he will have a chance to start the season with the Rays. Burroughs is still a young player and maybe the change of scenery will help. If Lugo is traded, then I would like to see Upton be given the shortstop job.A good fielding firstbaseman is going to be important, with Burroughs, Upton and Cantu in the infield. It sure would be nice to see Travis Lee there again.

[Go Bravos!!!#1]

Offensively Upton has been ready. Defensively...eh.

[tonypug]

Offensively Upton has been ready. Defensively...eh.

If Lugo gets traded, as of now he is still a Devil Ray, then allow Upton to play shortstop evry day in the majors, and see what happens. If Lugo starts the season with the Rays, then have Upton start the season at AAA. If not before the season Lugo will be traded during the season, then you bring Upton to the Rays.

[raysnbran]

Lugo trade

With Renteria going to the Braves for Marte, that eliminates one trade rumor, but opens up another possibility. The Red Sox now need a SS, and we could use some SP. Maybe they would part with Papelbon for Lugo? Maybe Bronson Arroyo returns home to the TB area?

[tonypug]

I am surprised that Lugo wasn't traded during the meetings. Could be that other teams thought they could get him cheaply,since the Rays have Upton ready to play. It will be interesting to see what happens if they don't trade him before spring training.

[raysnbran]

Blockbuster

Latest hot rumor on ESPN is Manny Ramirez to Baltimore for Miguel Tejada. I've also read they pick up the Marlins' Alex Gonzalez to play SS. I heard the Cubs have let Nomar test the waters to get a trade offer, how about Lugo to the Cubs?

[HDH]

Why not trade BJ Upton for pitching? He would likely bring more pitching than anyone else with the exception of Carl Crawford. Upton could be the next Joe Borchard.

[tonypug]

Why not trade BJ Upton for pitching? He would likely bring more pitching than anyone else with the exception of Carl Crawford. Upton could be the next Joe Borchard.

Right now Lugo has more trade value then Upton. I can't see teams giving up #1 pitching prospects for Upton right now, bodies yes, but not top prospects.

[The Big C]

I would love Lugo to Chicago (keep Neifi on the bench), and we have an apparent wealth of pitching prospects here (Are the D-Rays looking more for prospects or veterans?). The problem is that the D-Rays price for Lugo has apparently been too high, and that is why he is still in Tampa, from what I have heard anyway.

[tonypug]

I would love Lugo to Chicago (keep Neifi on the bench), and we have an apparent wealth of pitching prospects here (Are the D-Rays looking more for prospects or veterans?). The problem is that the D-Rays price for Lugo has apparently been too high, and that is why he is still in Tampa, from what I have heard anyway.

I think other teams are thinking the Rays have to trade Lugo and are looking for a bargain. I think the Rays are perfectly comfortable starting the season with Lugo at short and Upton in AAA.

[FedEx]

Upton is definetly ready for the big league level On the D-Rays. Do I think hes seasoned enough to be an every day player in the MLB. No. Defensively theres still a lot of gaps in his games. But frankly, hes on the D-Rays, what do we have to lose by throwing him, Delmon Young and Joey Gathright out there? Nothing. See how they react, see what they do.