What is Jason Bartlett to do? After an awful 2010 season, the shortstop finds himself awaiting arbitration with Tampa Bay and will probably end up earning a little more than the $4 million he made last season, but he may not wear a Rays uniform while he collects his paychecks next season. More than a handful of teams have expressed interest in attaining Bartlett’s services, but it will depend on another shortstop’s decision that will determine actual trade partners with Tampa Bay.

The Cardinals, Giants, Nationals, Orioles and Padres have all expressed interest in Bartlett. However, Japanese infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka is being courted by several of these teams as well, each hoping to land the rights to discuss a contract with him. The team that acquires Tsuyoshi will instantly end discussion with the Rays over Bartlett and it will make Tampa’s decision a little bit easier. What Bartlett’s actual worth after this past season is a matter of debate though.

Bartlett, who was an All-Star in 2009 and hit .320 with 14 home runs, 66 RBI and 30 stolen bases, fell hard and fast in 2010. He only hit .254 with four home runs, 47 RBI and 11 stolen bases. He only played in two less games. His fielding improved quite a bit though. In 2009, he committed 20 errors in 529 chances for a .962 fielding percentage. That climbed to .977 in 2010 when he made only 11 errors in 472 chances.

His trade value is extremely low at this point, but the 31-year-old hasn’t had a season like this since he debuted as a rookie with the Twins in 2005. There’s every reason to believe he can bounce back, so this might be the right time for another team in need of a shortstop to jump all over this deal and steal a former All-Star from the Rays’ middle infield. Otherwise, the Rays will probably be happy to keep Bartlett on the payroll.