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.

But decision time is approaching.

There is scuttlebutt that even as close to first place as they are, the Rays may be sellers. They do have some trinkets to offer, most notably B.J. Upton.

There already are many reasons to think B.J.’s time in the bay area is coming to an end, and he has shown no interest in doing a long-term deal.

Upton is making $4.8 million this season, a figure that through arbitration could jump to $7 million in 2012 if the Rays don’t deal him.

He could become a free agent after next season.