Could Justin Upton be a fit in Tampa Bay?
Nov 10, 2012, 7:17 PM | Updated: 7:22 pm
Another day, another rumor involving Arizona Diamomdbacks outfielder Justin Upton.
Get use to it D-backs fans, it’s going to be a long winter in Arizona.
Saturday, FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal was at it again, speculating that the two-time All Star could wind up in Tampa Bay — a place his brother B.J. has called home since 2004.
While B.J. Upton looks headed for free agency, Rosenthal thinks the Rays could offer a substantial package for his younger brother, Justin.
The Rays could satisfy the Diamondbacks’ desire to add a top-of-the-rotation starter by offering right-hander James Shields or right-hander Jeremy Hellickson. They also could fill the D-backs’ need for a shortstop by offering a top prospect, Hak-Ju Lee.
Although general manager Kevin Towers has said throughout the week that the team is only listening to potential offers, as other organizations look to sweeten the pot, the question remains how long will it take the Diamondbacks’ front office to make a decision on the future of their star right fielder?
Upton is coming off an underwhelming season, at least by his standards. The 25-year-old batted .280, with 17 home runs, 67 RBI and a slugging percentage of .430 — 80th-best among qualified hitters.
