Johnson thrilled about return

ST. PETERSBURG -- The moment was a triumph so intense that Russ Johnson needed to pause before even trying to elaborate about it.

More than two months after leaving the Rays to receive treatment for anxiety and depression, and two days after coming back from a rehabilitation stint in the minors, Johnson pinch-hit in the ninth inning Monday.

"It was a feeling of happiness to be back," said Johnson, whose last Rays game was July 2. "But there also was a feeling of, and the only words I can think of that would ultimately say it would be unbelievable love. I can't fathom someone loving somebody as much as I felt love at that particular time."

Johnson, who decided since coming back to no longer wear batting gloves, popped out to second base for the second out of the inning. Completing his comeback was reward enough.

"If it was a perfect world I would've hit a homer right there," Johnson said. "This has been the best year of my life, by far. I'm learning so much. But it isn't going to be easy and I knew that going in."

LOOKOUT AT LEADOFF: Don't be surprised if Aubrey Huff bats leadoff before the season ends.

"If it's necessary," manager Hal McRae said.

The first baseman, who is batting .327, needs 502 plate appearances by the end of the season to be eligible for the race for the batting title. To do so, Huff has to go to bat an average of 41/2 times a game in the last 19 games.

Kansas City's Mike Sweeney leads the AL with a .340 average. If it looks like Huff has a shot at qualifying, McRae said he will not hesitate batting him leadoff for the extra at-bats.

"I would if it came down to a couple of games. I might do it a whole week if it's necessary," McRae said. "That's quite an achievement and something to be proud of as an organization and individually."

Huff, who has hit in a career-high 16 consecutive games, is playing catch-up because he was not called up from Triple-A Durham until May 28.

UPTON UPDATE: Director of player personnel Cam Bonifay will meet with family and representatives of first-round pick B.J. Upton today in Virginia.

The talks appear to be at a crucial stage since Upton is considering attending junior college.

The Rays have offered Upton a $4.5-million bonus spread over five years with about $250,000 up front, the most of any player in this year's draft. Upton, the No. 2 overall pick, is seeking more up-front money and a larger overall package, perhaps in line with the $4.8-million the Rays gave Dewon Brazelton as the No. 3 pick last year.

READY TO GO: After allowing 13 earned runs in his past two starts, Joe Kennedy is eager to find some consistency.

The left-hander will make his second start since skipping one because of fatigue. He allowed seven earned runs in 52/3 innings against the Angels on Thursday.

"Sometimes you just have those games and those days," Kennedy said. "I was pitching pretty well and then got hurt in Chicago (Aug. 25). Then I came back off that and had this last start. I want to take a step back, refocus and go back out there and do what I do best."

MINOR-LEAGUE HONORS: Triple-A Durham outfielder Rocco Baldelli will be at Tropicana Field when the Rays play the Yankees on Sept. 19. Whether he'll be in a major-league uniform remains to be seen.

Baldelli was named the Rays minor-league player of the year and reliever Lance Carter, who was called up from Durham on Aug. 31, was recognized as the organization's minor-league pitcher of the year. They will be honored before that game.

Baldelli hit .331 with 28 doubles, 19 homers and 71 RBIs in 117 combined between Class A Bakersfield, Double-A Orlando and Durham this season. Carter went 12-2 with a 2.80 ERA in 132 innings for the Bulls.

ODDS AND ENDS: Boston ace Pedro Martinez, who missed his past two starts due to hip and groin injuries, will pitch against the Rays on Wednesday. ... Triple-A Durham plays Game 1 of the Governors' Cup championship series tonight at Buffalo.