The Rays are closer to trading shortstop Jason Bartlett than ever before.

The Dodgers' three-year, $21 million agreement with free-agent infielder Juan Uribe on Monday sparked accelerated discussions involving Bartlett, major-league sources say.

The Cardinals, Giants, Padres, Orioles and Pirates all have expressed recent interest in Bartlett. The Giants' need is particularly acute after losing Uribe.

The Rays, facing the losses of several free-agent relievers, are believed to be seeking bullpen help in any deal for Bartlett, whom they would replace with Reid Brignac.

Marco Scutaro of the Red Sox and J.J. Hardy of the Twins are among the other shortstops on the trade market, while Miguel Tejada and Orlando Cabrera are the leading free agents at the position.

-Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi