ST. PETERSBURG - Having a prospect considered one of the best in the game is a big deal for a player development-oriented organization such as the Devil Rays.
Having two is even bigger.
Shortstop B.J. Upton and outfielder Delmon Young were ranked Nos.2 and 3 on Baseball America's annual list of the game's top 100 prospects, marking the third time in the list's 15-year history that one team had two of the top three.
In 1998, Los Angeles' Paul Konerko was No.2 and Adrian Beltre No.3 (behind Oakland's Ben Grieve). In 1999, St. Louis' J.D. Drew was No.1 and Rick Ankiel No.2.
"It's a credit to our scouting and player development staffs to have the nucleus of young players already at the major-league level, and then to have two of the top three prospects in the minor leagues," general manager Chuck LaMar said.
"We feel like we have several other players within our minor-league system who will have an impact at the major-league level, but obviously B.J. and Delmon have a chance to be outstanding players."
The Rays had a third player in the top 100, with outfielder Joey Gathright ranked 95th. Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer was No.1.
Upton, who received strong consideration for the top spot, was ranked ahead of several players who may be major-league regulars this season, including Kaz Matsui of the Mets (seventh) and Bobby Crosby of the A's (32nd).
Upton, ranked 21st last year, said the selection was a nice honor. "I don't really pay attention, but if that's what they want to do, that's great," he said.
Upton, 19, is projected to start his second pro season at Double-A Montgomery but is expected to be in the big leagues by the end of this season. Young, 18, is likely to start his first pro season at Class A Charleston and could arrive in 2005.
PITCHING IN: The cold and damp weather forced the Rays to move their workout inside Friday for the second time this week and forced Dewon Brazelton to wait another day to pitch to his first batters of the spring.
"I'm ready to get out there and have somebody take a hack at me," Brazelton said. "Obviously, I'm coming off a horrific season and I've put in a lot of work. I feel like I'm 100 times better and I'm ready to get out there and show it."
Jason Standridge also is eager to get on the mound, not having faced a batter since mid August because of shoulder surgery. "I'm excited," he said. "I'm trying to take it slow, but it's hard."
SIGNING UP: Pitchers Travis Harper and Bobby Seay agreed to terms on one-year contracts, leaving five players unsigned: Rocco Baldelli, Carl Crawford, Toby Hall, Seth McClung and Victor Zambrano. Players who don't sign by Tuesday will have their contracts renewed by the Rays and lose a $20,000 incentive package.
MISCELLANY: Manager Lou Piniella said he'd like to rest Baldelli and Crawford once a week during the regular season. ... Friday's workout was cut back to around 75 minutes. "I think the players enjoyed the short day," Piniella said. ... There will be intrasquad games at 9 a.m. Monday and 9:30 Tuesday. ... The annual charity golf tournament benefiting the Rays of Hope Foundation is Monday at the Renaissance Vinoy golf course.
