After some delays related to one of the prospects coming back, the Jason Bartlett trade is official - the Tampa Bay Rays have dealt a new starting shortstop to the San Diego Padres.
Jason Bartlett Traded From Rays To Padres For Four Prospects
The 31-year-old infielder goes to San Diego in exchange for Adam Russell, Cesar Ramos, Brandon Gomes, and Cole Figueroa. Gomes and Figueroa were late additions to the trade, and the Padres will receive a player to be named later along with Bartlett.
Bartlett, along with Orlando Hudson, will form a brand new middle infield for San Diego, replacing David Eckstein, Everth Cabrera, and Miguel Tejada. It’s a strong defensive middle infield that also has the potential to hit a little bit, as Bartlett is only one season removed from batting .320 with 14 home runs. The Padres won’t look for him to be that successful again in 2011, but they will expect a decent average and solid glovework.
The Rays are dealing Bartlett to shed his salary and make room for the younger Reid Brignac. In dealing Bartlett, they pick up a pair of Major League-ready relievers in Russell and Ramos, along with Gomes and Figueroa. Gomes has been exceptional the last two years as a reliever in AA, and Figueroa is a 23-year-old middle infielder who batted .303 last year in advanced A-ball.
On the surface, it looks like a good trade for both teams, as the Padres get better and the Rays gain financial flexibility. You can read more over at DRays Bay and Gaslamp Ball.
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