B.J. Upton hosts 2nd Golf Classic for a good cause

New Tampa- For the second year in a row, B.J. Upton strolled into Hunters Green on a mission. Dedicating his annual Golf Classic to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul is now standard in this Rays' outfielders' offseason.

"I live downtown Tampa and I see it going on pretty much everyday," says Upton. "I live right around the corner and there's couple of homeless that I see. It's just something that kind of touched me and something that I wanted to do."

It's a good match if you ask his teammates, who joined sports celebs from all over the area in Monday's tourney (that also included BJ.'s brother, Justin). Fellow Rays say B.J.'s golf game is something to notice. 

"B.J.'s actually, I golfed with him a few times this offseason, he's actually pretty good," says Rays Pitcher James Shields. "Being about a year away from not golfing, he's pretty solid."

Injury and surgery free this offseason, BJ's says he feels "more in shape than ever" heading into spring training. But first, there's that little matter of arbitration to work out with the Rays.

"It's a business and unfortunately things had to happen, you know the way they did, but hopefully we can come to an agreement and make things work," says Upton. 

When asked if he'd be interested in a long-term deal. Upton says he'd be all ears.
"I love the city of Tampa and I love to be here for an extensive period so if that's something we can work out, it'd be great."

In the meantime, a few swings on the links will do anyone... and a charity... good. Certainly takes the mind off salary squabbles. The Rays and Upton are just $300,000 apart.

"Like I said before, it's a business and you gotta kind of deal with it," says Upton. "And move on."