BJ Upton to 3B (short term?) could be up in a few weeks

[bartoates]

According to Rotoworld, "This could be a signal that the Devil Rays are ready to move B.J. Upton from shortstop."

Does anyone think it could result in an immediate callup, or is it more likely that Upton stays down for the time being to practice a new position?

[Drunken Rhino]

Let's see...if this is a signal that they're ready to try Upton at SS, wouldn't the D-rays have moved Lugo and not Huff?

Maybe they're ready to try Upton at 3B. But for now, I see the D-rays having and IF of Lee, Cantu, Lugo & Wiggington. An OF of Crawford, Baldelli, Gomes

[bwagner112]

I think that is what he was saying...move Upton FROM SS

[Smileyman9]

As sort of said above...Upton's fate depends more on Lugo then Huff, so as far as a call to majors is concerned I don't think he'll get it as a result of this trade because his issue is with fielding and not hitting, hence bringing him up and shoving him in say the DH role makes little sense since he won't be working on improving his defense (Not that the last 2 years in AAA has helped really)

You really do have to wonder what the general plan with him is though..If they re-up Lugos contract that pretty much tells you Upton is either getting traded or changing positions...the OF is full with Crawford/Baldelli/Young (future presumption) DH is Gomes (for now)
So maybe see if he can hold down first or third?

[tol1l1yboy]

While there has been talk of moving Upton to second they could very easily move Cantu to third and Lugo to second thus clearing a spot for Upton.

One has to wonder if Lugo's defensive defincies arent partly because the guy should be in the majors. It would be funny if he comes up and doesnt commit a ton of errors.

[HotCornR]

I brought this up over in the other forum. Makes a guy think about what the Rays plans are... My gut says they move Lugo before the deadline and call up Upton for a look-see...

http://www.fantasybaseballcafe.com/foru ... p?t=226373

[hybrid]

http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/NASAp ... sp&c_id=tb

Basically with Huff gone they need a 3B and evidently don't want Wiggy there full time. Upton said he would move there to help the team and could be up in a few weeks. He still sees himself as a SS though and could be back there depending on what happens with Lugo in the future. Anyways if some people want to pick him up ... now would be the time, he at the least could help w/ SB's.

[noseeum]

If the guy couldn't play SS, what makes you think he'll learn 3B in two weeks?

Bring up Delmon!

[hybrid]

If the guy couldn't play SS, what makes you think he'll learn 3B in two weeks?

Bring up Delmon!

SS is the most difficult position there is in the infield. He will have more time to set and make his throws, most of which will be closer than in the hole at SS. No one is saying he will be gold glove off the bat, but since Lugo is still on the team there isn't much else of an option at this point.

[kkhere]

No doubt it willl be a tough transition. If a gold glover like A-Rod had a hard time transitioning a shaky shortstop like Upton could have some issues