Rays send Bartlett to Padres for pitchers

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- The Tampa Bay Rays have traded shortstop Jason Bartlett to San Diego for a pair of relief pitchers, the infielder confirmed Wednesday.

The deal was made during baseball's annual winter meetings in Florida.

Bartlett said in a text message to the St. Petersburg Times that he was excited about the trade, in which relievers Cesar Ramos and Adam Russell have been dealt by the Padres.

"I knew it was eventually coming," Bartlett wrote. "I prepared myself with my family. We are very happy and excited to start a new chapter of my career."

After a sterling 2009 season in which he hit .320 with 14 home runs and 66 RBI, Bartlett struggled last season. His production fell off to .254 with four home runs and 47 RBI.

Ramos, a first-round Padres pick in 2005, has appeared in 19 games over two years with San Diego, compiling an 0-2 record and 6.26 ERA.

Russell sports a 7-1 career record and 4.50 ERA in 49 relief appearances over parts of three seasons with the Chicago White Sox and the Padres.