Upton on the move...to third base

This just in...

B.J. Upton will, in fact, make the switch from shortstop to third base and could be promoted to the Devil Rays in as little as two weeks.

In 88 games with the Triple-A Durham Bulls thus far, Upton is batting .269 with 6 HR and 36 RBI. Those numbers aren't so impressive; however, he leads the International League with 37 steals, albeit in 52 tries, and his on-base percentage is good at .378.

While Upton has greatly struggled with his defense, committing 28 errors - no one else on the Bulls even has 10 - the club feels he can handle the switch to the hot corner.

According to Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman, they're going to be patient with Upton and wait until he feels comfortable at third before calling him up. At the same time, Friedman made it clear that the organization is "not giving up on Upton as a shortstop," and he classified the move as "short-term."

So how does this affect the rest of the Rays? Good question...let's discuss it.

Shortstop, Julio Lugo

Lugo is a free agent at the end of this season. His production has been great since missing the first month of the season, batting .300 with 71 hits, 9 HR, and 14 steals in 60 games in the first half. Lugo's career-high in homers is 15, so don't expect the power numbers to be as high in the second half. He'll probably hit more doubles and his speed should get him some triples, especially at Tropicana Field.

If he doesn't get traded by the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, then it is possible that the Rays will lock him up with a multi-year deal in the offseason. I only see that happening if Upton lives up to his potential and improves his defensive play at third. Should that occur, Lugo and Upton can man the Rays' left side of the infield for many years.

Utility, Ty Wigginton

In the aftermath of Aubrey Huff's departure, Wigginton - .252, 16 HR, 50 RBI at the half - was in line to get the majority of the starts at third base. Since the Rays are looking to promote Upton, they have decided that Wigginton and Russell Branyan will split the third base duties until Upton is ready.

With the numbers Wiggy has put up, he should still get significant playing time, even when Upton arrives. The scrappy righty already has a career-high in homers, and is well on his way to surpassing his RBI-high of 71, which he put up in his only full season with the Mets in 2003.

Only time will tell how these scenarios shake out, and it's all centered around the development of a highly touted prospect.

I would love to be in the Devil Rays' shoes, because it's always a good problem to have too many choices on how to fill out your roster.