Rays

Third base 'not a big deal' for Upton

The Devil Rays prospect, who is determined to play shortstop, said he just needs to get used to the position.

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published July 15, 2006

B.J. Upton said he doesn't understand the commotion.

It's not like he never played third base. In fact, he played it almost as much as shortstop in 2004 when he was with the Devil Rays for 45 games.

"It's not a big deal," he said by phone Friday before Triple-A Durham's game with Columbus. "It's just going to take a couple of days for me to get acclimated again."

But it is a big deal.

Upton, 21, one of the Rays' prized prospects, had most recently refused a switch from shortstop to, well, anywhere, even if his error-filled ways had kept him mired in the minors.

But with Aubrey Huff's trade to the Astros, filling the hole left at third seems the fastest way to the big leagues.

"I'm going to play (in the majors) regardless," Upton said. "It doesn't matter where I play. I'm going to play to the best of my ability."

Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman has said Upton could be with Tampa Bay in two weeks, depending on his progress.

How Upton plays will give the Rays a read on whether the Norfolk, Va., native is ready for a full-time major-league gig, regardless of what position is available on the left side of the infield.

If Upton fails, it could prompt another outfield move.

"I really haven't thought a lot about it," he said of the variables. "I've been focusing on getting acclimated at third. I'm going to go out and handle what I need to handle."

He handled well his first meeting with hotshot Ben Zobrist, Durham's new shortstop, acquired in the Huff trade.

Zobrist said he made sure to seek out Upton.

"I've never been in this situation before," Zobrist, 25, said. "I wanted to tell him I'm willing to play anywhere. I'm willing to help the team any way I can.

"He didn't seem like he was upset toward me at all. I think he wants to learn third as well, and when he gets to the majors, he wants to play anywhere."

Upton got through his first two games at third with relative ease, fielding three grounders, a pop fly and a line drive without an error.

Upton said he wasn't nervous. He said he played some third in high school, and in 2004 played 13 games there for Tampa Bay with two errors in 24 chances for a .917 fielding percentage.

In 16 games at shortstop that season, he made seven errors in 71 chances for a .901 percentage.

Upton said he still sees himself at shortstop.

"I'm sure they know I've been working all year to play there, but this is where they need me right now," he said of third base. "We'll see where it all plays out."

[Last modified July 15, 2006, 00:45:15]