Hank Blalock Signs with Tampa Bay Rays, Adds Left-Handed Bat to Lineup

"Well, I didn’t have any other choice. So that’s why I’m here." 

That was the comment Hank Blalock made when asked why he signed with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Wow, Hank, way to sound positive. Someone should tell Blalock he signed with the Rays, a team that could win the World Series, not the Devil Rays of 2002.

Apparently Blalock never received an offer from the Florida Marlins—or any other team, for that matter—and was left to sign with the Rays. Blalock signed a minor league deal with Tampa worth $925,000, plus $350,000 in incentives.

The deal includes an opt-out clause if he isn’t in the majors by Opening Day.

Now that Blalock was “forced” to sign with the Rays, let’s look at where he fits in. If he makes the team he will most likely serve as a left-handed hitter off the bench, a backup to Carlos Pena at first, and perhaps a left-handed complement to right-handed DH Pat Burrell.

Blalock did hit 19 out of his 25 home runs against right-handed pitching, so he does have the ability to hit the long ball against righties. Other than that, he can’t run, field, or stay healthy. You know, the majority of things teams look for in a major league player.

Blalock has spent eight seasons in the major leagues, all with the Texas Rangers. He is a career .269 hitter with 152 home runs, 535 RBI, and a .769 OPS. He is also a two-time American League All-Star.

You can follow The Ghost of Moonlight Graham on Twitter @ theghostofmlg