Rays' Jason Bartlett Traded to Padres for Relievers Cesar Ramos, Adam Russell

by Marc Lancaster

Filed under: Padres, Rays, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Winter Meetings

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Padres have reportedly acquired shortstop Jason Bartlett from the Rays.

MLB.com first said the deal was done, and Bartlett confirmed to the St. Petersburg Times that he was headed to San Diego. The Padres reportedly are sending relievers Adam Russell and Cesar Ramos to Tampa Bay.

The Rays had been trying to move Bartlett, their shortstop for the last three seasons, and reportedly were deep in talks with the Orioles on Tuesday. Those negotiations fell apart, but Tampa Bay was able to find a taker on the West Coast.

Bartlett's offensive production plummeted in 2010, his batting average dropping from .320 to .254 and his OPS falling from .879 to .675. His defense -- once considered a major strength -- also has deteriorated the last couple of seasons according to various metrics.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Osvaldo Martínez John McDonald Oswaldo Navarro Yamaico Navarro