Rays, Upton search for 'the one' by trade deadline

B.J. Upton is one of the looming non-waiver trade deadline's most-discussed prospects.

Breaking up is always hard to do.

The Tampa Bay Rays and B.J. Upton have been together before the organization got a total facelift. As a No. 2 prospect in 2002, the then-Devil Rays snatched Upton up for a starting SS position on their lineup, later moving him to CF. Upton helped the Rays through a transition period, of which the climactic point was seen in the 2008 season's World Series run, the team's first ever.

But these past two seasons, Upton's production has been dwindling -- in his last 10 games, a home run hasn't come off his bat. He's chugged out three RBI's and is batting a .159 (7-for-44). Even more curious is the ascension of prospect Desmond Jennings, called up from the minors, who has blown away Kansas City (and anyone who pays attention to the Rays) in the last two games going 4-for-6, even stealing two bases in a show of impressive judgment and athleticism. It would seem Jennings is poised to take Upton's place in the Tampa clubhouse. And with a non-waiver trade deadline looming this Sunday, of course the Internet is lighting up with the possibility of Upton retiring his blue and white uniform.

Sometimes the whole "it's not you, it's me," thing isn't exactly true. In the case of Upton and the Rays, the one at fault here is arguably Upton. Although he's repeatedly said his wish is to remain in Tampa, the 26-year-old probably itching for a bigger stage (the Rays have one of the worst MLB attendance ratings in the league), or a bigger paycheck. He's been complacent, knowing he is on contract until 2012. It's safe to say the Rays' majority-of-the-season offensive slump is a trend the centerfielder in question has been a part of. The infamous closed-in dome and catwalks of Tropicana Field can't contain Upton forever.

It's an attractive situation for the Rays, whose offense (or lack thereof) has caused them many a game halfway through this season, at which point the team teeters at a .530 win-loss percentage (53-47). They could acquire a powerful bat by trading Upton out to any of the teams rumored to have interest in him. Arlington is the best possible destination for Upton -- a ballpark whose centerfield seems unpopulated, and a Rangers clubhouse that could definitely use the extra right-handed bat. Another Bay Area -- San Francisco -- could also work out a trade with Tampa Bay. Upton would bring the reigning World Series champs an infusion of needed speed, defense, and stiff AL East experience.

Trades and bargain-shopping have always been the Rays' strength. This off-season, Tampa Bay's entire starting lineup was turned upside down as the franchise traded out fan favorites like Carlos Pena and Matt Garza, and a once-envied bullpen was split up and divided across the MLB. But the Rays capitalized in some places, acquiring OF Sam Fuld, who has sparked the defense with his stellar (and sometimes insane) catches. Expect them to do the same, if they decide to trade Upton this week.

But "should they?" is the moral inquiry of baseballers across the country.

I say that a clean break is needed for both sides to start anew. The Rays franchise, as well as Upton, should allow themselves to be in an open market, and see what comes of it. Who knows? They might just find the one they've been looking for this whole time.