SEATTLE - Over the past couple of years, the Devil Rays have been waiting for prospects such as B.J. Upton, Josh Hamilton and Delmon Young to work their way through the minors to the big leagues and become permanent fixtures in the lineup.
But the one young player who might have the best chance at being an everyday player next season is a bit of a surprise: Jorge Cantu.
Signed as a free agent in 1998 when he was 16, Cantu is making a good impression this season.
"He's doing a nice job and we're pleased," manager Lou Piniella said. "I like him. He is a nice player."
Playing mostly third base, Cantu went into Wednesday's game batting .300 in 19 starts. Though he has done a respectable job at third, the Rays see Cantu as a second baseman and hope he can work at second during the fall in either the Arizona Fall League or instructional league.
"I'm thinking a regular position for him in the infield next season," Piniella said. "I think (second base) is where he belongs. He's kind of suited for that position. He looks good. He has got nine doubles, he has driven the ball fairly well. I like the kid. He can play all three infield positions, but I think second base is what I'm looking at."
LEFT OUT: Upton said he felt comfortable in leftfield Tuesday night but was disappointed he did not get a chance to catch a fly ball. He touched the ball once, picking up a ball off the wall and hitting the cutoff man to keep a runner from scoring from first on a double.
Don't expect to see Upton in left very often, but do look for him to play third base in the near future. A shortstop by trade, Upton has been taking grounders at third during batting practice on this trip, and Piniella said Upton could play third when the team returns home next week.
"I'm comfortable at third," Upton said. "The only adjustment is the ball gets there a little quicker, you don't have as much reaction time. ... The throw is a little longer. But I like it there."
CAST OFF: Aubrey Huff didn't start for the fourth consecutive game because of back spasms, but he pinch-hit in the ninth and is expected back in the lineup Friday in Oakland. Before Wednesday's game, it was pointed out the Rays were 3-0 without Huff in the lineup.
"I told him if we keep winning we're going to send him salmon fishing in Alaska for the weekend," Piniella said.
E FOR C.C.: Carl Crawford's impressive errorless streak came to an end in Tuesday's game. Crawford, playing centerfield, tried to double up a runner at first base after catching a sinking liner, but his throw was over everything. It went over the head of first baseman Tino Martinez and catcher Toby Hall, who was backing up. The ball flew into the Mariners dugout, giving Crawford his first error after 289 fielding chances. It was his first error in 134 games, dating to last season.
HONOR ROLL: Young, the Rays' No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft, was named to the 2004 South Atlantic League All-Star team. He was given an even bigger honor when he was named the league's Most Outstanding Major League Prospect.
Young has been particularly hot of late, with hits in 26 of his past 29 games heading into Wednesday. He was hitting .447 (38-for-85) in August with six doubles, a triple and six homers.
For the season, Young is batting .332 (fourth in the SAL) and a league-leading 153 hits, 22 homers (fifth) and a league-best 105 RBIs.
BETTER MAN: Eddie Vedder and his bandmates from the alternative rock group Pearl Jam took batting practice with the Mariners before Wednesday's game. The band members, natives of Seattle, usually come out to hit with the Mariners once or twice a season.
