Hot topic: Deciding on a utility infielder who can back up shorstop Julio Lugo is one of the big decisions facing the Devil Rays this spring, and Luis Ordaz is in the hunt.

Ordaz has spent the last three seasons at the Triple-A level after being a Major Leaguer with the Cardinals and Royals. Bill Evers, who was Ordaz's manager at Triple-A Durham, likes what the infielder is doing this spring.

"Ordaz is really playing well, playing second base and shortstop," Evers said. "It's an opportunity for him after spending last year with a lot of difficulty with injuries."

Evers noted that Ordaz has shown him something by continuing his pursuit even though he hasn't appeared in a Major League game since 2003.

"Tells you a lot about his character and his passion for the game," Evers said. "He loves to play the game and he understands his time is going to come."

On the move: Chris Seddan had an impressive first outing against the Blue Jays Friday. The left-hander pitched two innings and needed to face just seven batters, allowing two hits, no runs and no walks while striking out two. "He's an impressive young man," said Rays manager Joe Maddon.

Names in the game: Former Major Leaguer Dave Martinez is serving as a guest instructor in camp working primarily with the outfielders. Among those Martinez has had a chance to work with is highly-touted prospect Elijah Dukes. "He's an unbelievable talent," Martinez said. "The kid works hard. He's got good fundamentals. I see that guy and I say he can play in the big leagues one day." Martinez said Dukes does particularly well at getting a good jump on the ball.

They're No. 1: Former No. 1 picks B.J. Upton and Delmon Young continue to impress. Evers, who managed both at Durham, gave his impressions on both.

"I think with B.J., it's just a situation where over the winter he knew he needed to work on his defense," Evers said. "I think he's really stressed that during his workouts coming to Spring Training. And he's more open to suggestions and things that are going to help him defensively. Offensively, we think he's a Major League hitter right now, it's just a matter of his defense."

And Young?

"Delmon had a great year at Double-A and came with me [at Durham] and didn't really put up the power numbers we thought he could for one reason or another," Evers said. "But that might be due to the long season -- getting a little tired. So I think he's come back stronger. He's put on about 10 or 15 pounds of muscle. It's just a matter of his getting his at-bats and playing."

What they're saying: "Unbelievable. A football player's body. Strong as a bull," said Martinez about Dukes' body.