Prospect duo achieves a rarity
By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer
Published February 28, 2004
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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.
[Last modified February 28, 2004, 01:15:03]
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