"Big-bucks spending by the Rays is not typically a topic of conversation.

But it was last week as they committed more than $16.5 million to their five arbitration eligibles then further pushed their payroll into the mid $60 million range by signing free agent 1B Carlos Peña ($7.25 million).

The deals — and upcoming hearing with RHP Jeff Niemann — raised a few questions.

• Why pay CF B.J. Upton $7 million, compared to $4.35 million for LHP David Price?

Because they had to. Arbitration, as much as anything, is based on service time in the majors, specifically comparisons with other players in the same class.

Upton was a third-time eligible, having made $3 million in 2010 and $4.825 million in 2011. Comparables include Detroit's Delmon Young (who got $6.75 million) and the Los Angeles Dodgers' James Loney ($6.38 million). Upton's combo of speed and power is rare. And valuable, executive VP Andrew Friedman said: "We expect him to be a big part of our success this season.""