Update 12:31: Interesting how ESPN would suggest the Cubs since they already have Marlon Byrd locked in until 2012.

ESPN Insider suggests that the Tampa Bay Rays may consider trading center fielder B.J. Upton since outfield prospect Desmond Jennings is coming along well on the farm. Upton is starting to make real money, and Jennings is almost ready for the big leagues.

Upton and the Rays could not come to an agreement on a contract by the deadline yesterday. They are within $300,000, but the case may head to an arbitrator.

If the Rays consider trading Upton, ESPN suggests a few teams that could use his services:

• Yankees: could use a young, athletic outfielder on a team with aging stars.
• Mets: could use Upton as a successor to Carlos Beltran
• Red Sox: Mike Cameron is in for a year and Jacoby Ellsbury is in left field.
• Giants: They need a young and athletic outfielder that isn’t past their prime.
• Rangers: They have the young pitching to use as trade bait.
• Cubs: Upton would be a good long-term solution for the Cub’s center field needs, but Chicago may not have enough trade-bait.
• White Sox: could use Upton if they slide Alex Rios to a corner.
• Dodgers: could use Upton in a corner, or move Matt Kemp to right field and trade Andre Ethier.