The Rays are believed to have very limited interest in White Sox SS Juan Uribe, who suddenly became available Monday when Chicago acquired All-Star SS Orlando Cabrera from the Angels for RHP Jon Garland.

Tampa Bay is looking to upgrade at shortstop, especially in a defensive capacity, and Uribe, who fielded to a .976 fielding percentage in 150 games at shortstop last season and owns a career .975 fielding percentage in his career, would seem to be a good fit. And Uribe's bat, which has produced 20 homers on three of the past four seasons, has some pop.

But Uribe's recent battle with his weight is reason for concern for the Rays, who are believed to think his defense is in decline and at a $4.5 million 2008 pricetag might not be in the team's best interest. As the crop on shortstops thinned out, and Chicago couldn't land SS Edgar Renteria, the White Sox resigned Uribe for one season earlier this month, but they pulled a surprise trade for Cabrera, who is coming off the best year of his career, which included a Gold Glove.

White Sox GM Kenny Williams said Monday he wants to do what's best for Uribe and trade him to a place where he would start -- something he's undoubtedly do in Tampa Bay. But if Chicago didn't get the right deal, they could keep Uribe in a utility role. The White Sox have expressed interest in Rays LF Carl Crawford, but Chicago would likely have to put together a package deal that included solid young pitching to get a whiff of Crawford.