"Halfway through the season, the Tampa Bay Rays have remained contenders in the American League East even though they played a month without Evan Longoria and three months with a lineup that has more holes than Augusta National.

Well done.

But all that means is decision time is approaching.

Starting Monday night at Tropicana Field, the Rays begin a stretch of 20 games against Cincinnati, St. Louis, Minnesota, the New York Yankees, and Boston.

Throw in a 10-game road trip after that to close out July, mostly out west. This is from the Marquis de Selig school of scheduling.

However, that gauntlet also could set the Rays' direction for the next several years. The end of the long trip on July 31 at Seattle coincides with the non-waiver trade deadline. Everyone should know by then whether the Rays are keepers or sellers.

Notice I didn't say "buyers."

The Rays won't be making blockbuster deals at the deadline to bring in talent for the short term, even if it means making a serious run at a third division title in four seasons. It's just not what they do, especially if it means parting with prospects.

You'll know the lads have decided they can remain in the race if they do nothing. Yes, that might include keeping Kelly Shoppach.

The Rays do have some trinkets to offer if they decide to sell, most notably B.J. Upton.

There are many reasons to think B.J.'s time here is coming to an end. He has shown no interest in doing a long-term deal and he is about to become overpriced anyway. Overpriced in Raysthink, that is."