"Not that he's watching the clock or anything, but OF B.J. Upton 's first response when asked Friday afternoon about the trade situation was, "Less than 48 hours."

Upton's considered the Ray most likely to get traded by Sunday's 4 p.m. nonwaiver deadline. The latest speculation is the Braves, after losing out on OF Hu nter Pence to the Phillies, might become more aggressive.

Upton continues to believe he won't get dealt: "I don't think it's going to happen. I'm not going anywhere."

Manager Joe Maddon supported that theory, saying he spoke Friday with executive VP A ndrew Friedman , and "nothing's going on."

Maddon compared this year's deadline to past years when the Rays, with a policy of not commenting on trade rumors, are the subject of extensive speculation.

"I talk to you guys every year and it's always the same thing," Maddon said. "Whether we're buyers or sellers, whatever the perception is, our names are bandied about in some things, and nothing ever happens. I'm prepared for nothing happening.""