Bartlett gets $1.98-million
SS Jason Bartlett avoided arbitration by settling with the Rays on a one-year deal for $1,981,250.
"I'm so happy to be done with that,'' Bartlett said. "Now I can just think about playing ball and having fun. It's going to be another fun and exciting year.''
Bartlett, in his first year of arbitration eligibility, got a hefty raise from last season when he made $416,600. He was voted the team MVP last season based on his defensive contributions while hitting .286 with one homer, 37 RBIs, a .329 on-base percentage and .361 slugging percentage.



Glad to see the core of our infield is back. I think he deserved at least 2 years though
Posted by: Anthony | January 23, 2009 at 08:35 PM
1 year deal? This guy is at least worth a 3 year. What's the deal?
Posted by: TriplePlay | January 20, 2009 at 07:52 PM
Well deserved. Would like to see a long term deal with Bartlett.
Are we working on a long term deal with BJ Upton...I have not heard anything about his contract.
Posted by: Rocky | January 20, 2009 at 02:55 PM
Once again, the current administration shows that it understands what it takes to put a quality product on the field. JB was a solid performer last year. Keeping players thinking they are part of the family is something that sets the Rays apart from the other teams in this area!
Posted by: Gene | January 20, 2009 at 01:02 PM