According to Mike Berardino of the Sporting News, the Rays have been willing to discuss trades for both Delmon Young and B.J. Upton this winter. (Berardino also writes for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel). Apparently Upton’s attitude and shaky defense scare rival teams more than Young’s attitude alone.
It’s tough to envision Young going anywhere. Despite the bat-throwing, the 21 year-old has star written all over him. He’s got some interesting comparables, according to Baseball Prospectus. The most similar player is the very solid former Astros and Reds CF Cesar Cedeno. His list also includes Rocco Baldelli, Orlando Cepeda, Elijah Dukes, Ruben Sierra, Milton Bradley, Sammy Sosa, Hank Aaron, and Jeff Francoeur. I didn’t know PECOTA used attitude as a variable (Dukes, Bradley).
PECOTA is less enthused with Upton, likening him to Carlos Febles. However, his list is quite impressive overall, with Alan Trammell, Willie Randolph, Pete Rose, Derek Jeter, and Tim Raines. At 22, Upton still has plenty of time to find a position and blossom into a star.
