Shortstop talks heating up?
The Rays' search for a shortstop has expanded to include Minnesota's Jason Bartlett and the teams have had discussions.
Bartlett, 28, has been the Twins' primary starter the last two seasons, though he was limited by neck and back injuries last season.
Bartlett hit .309 in 99 games in 2006, but dropped off last season to .265, with five homers, 43 RBIs and 23 stolen bases. His defense also suffered last season as he made 26 errors and had a .960 fielding percentage; in 2006 he made 13 errors and had a .971 fielding percentage.
The talks could be part of a larger deal as the Twins are reported to have interest in several of the Rays prized young outfielders such as Delmon Young, B.J. Upton and Rocco Baldelli, whose status is in question due to last season's hamstring injury.
If the Rays don't get Bartlett or another shortstop through trade, they could try to sign free agent Cesar Izturis.
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Did you guys hear the trade that is nearly finalized?
Twins get: Young, Harris, Pridie
rays get: Garza, Bartlett, Rincon
Posted by: Jon | November 28, 2007 at 04:02 PM
Probably more of a Barlett/Garza combo for Upton or Young and some lesser prospect. Twins seem to have no desire for an injury plagued OF.
Posted by: JM | November 28, 2007 at 02:45 PM
Yeah, he is eligible for arbitration in '09 and even then he would probably accept a pretty small deal if the Rays/Twins decided to sign him to a long-term deal.
Posted by: Joshs Thoughts | November 28, 2007 at 02:20 PM
If they trade Upton or Young in a deal for Bartlett, unless they get a lot more than just Bartlett, it'll be a monumental mistake. It won't be Bobby Abreu for Kevin Stocker type bad, but it will be bad. Baldelli? Sure. Young or Upton? No.
Bartlett ain't bad, but he's no better than say, Julio Lugo.
Posted by: Dave | November 28, 2007 at 02:15 PM
i am a rays fan, unfortunately. although their charade(s) are getting really old.
Posted by: RAYS FAN | November 28, 2007 at 02:05 PM
As a Twins fan, we don't want this trade. Baldelli can't stay off the DL.
Posted by: Jon | November 28, 2007 at 01:42 PM
How do you call youself a RAYS FAN.
Posted by: Charlie T | November 28, 2007 at 12:40 PM
is there some kind of coincidence that FSN is replaying a rays/twins game today? is this a hint at something? hmm...
Posted by: Bryan | November 28, 2007 at 12:36 PM
izturis: not happening, ownership is too cheap.
baldelli: get rid of him at any cost.
bartlett: makes so many errors, he'll fit right in here in tampa bay. but will he play for a six figure salary?
Posted by: RAYS FAN | November 28, 2007 at 12:05 PM