BJ Upton

[Broncmet724]

Will BJ be starting in Tampa starting this year? Not too worried whether its going to be 3rd, SS, or even the OF.

[stumpak]

Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but weren't the Rays talking about keeping him in AAA another year to work on his defense? At least that is what I remember reading.

[davidmarver]

With Lou gone, my bet would be that he finally gets the PT.

[OhMrScottyTrav06]

I heard that Upton is gonna be in AAA to start the year... but if they're smart they'll give him a chance to prove himself in the majors, it's not like they're competing for a title next year.

[clevername]

I wish they'd decide before I have to declare my keepers.

Of course, that says a lot about the crappy keepers I have that I would be considering keeping him in the first place.

[bigh0rt]

I believe he'll be spending another year in AAA, but you'll have to correct me if I'm wrong. I can't remember 100% clearly, though if I had a gun to my head, that's the answer I'd give

[clevername]

yeah, the word out of the organization at the end of the season was that he would definitely be at least starting the season in the minors.

But, big changes have occurred in the organization since then. I don't know if we have any reason to hope he'll start the year in the majors.

[Niffoc4]

I kept him in one of my deeper leagues, because if he plays he should be a 20/20 guy...also because I traded Sizemore for him at the start of the year, and am feeling a little stubborn...

[hybrid]

It's hard to say with all the movement in the organization lately. You can pretty much throw out most of what has been said at the end of the year, since well they have no authority anymore obviously.

That being said his best chance to land with the big club is a switch to 3B. But Upton has recently said he will not move from SS, so that is pretty much out the window. IMO he will try and work his butt off to look great for ST and a chance to stay with the club. However that probably won't work and he will be in AAA to start, though I think he will most likely be up after the All Star break.

[San D]

If I had any input, I would play Cantu at 2B, Lugo at SS, and Upton at 3B next year. In blowouts, I'd slide Upton to short and either slide Lugo to second and Cantu to third or just swap Upton and Lugo.

His bat is ready and this is a way to get it in the lineup and slowly break him into shortstop at the major league level.

Hopefully the new GM and manager agree!