Rays have deal with Luke Scott

 

 

Luke Scott has agreed to a deal with the Rays to be their DH.

"I'm excited,'' Scott told the Times.

Scott said he has agreed to a one-year deal, with an 2013 option, and his contract includes some incentives. He expects to primarily serve as the DH - which means the end of Johnny Damon's tenure with the Rays - and play some at first base.

Scott missed most of last season while undergoing right shoulder surgery in July, but said he is progressing well and passed what was surely an extensive physical with the Rays.

"There's no reason why I shouldn't be ready for opening day,'' Scott said.

When healthy the previous three seasons he put up impressive numbers for the Orioles, hitting .266 while averaging 25 homers with a .348 on-base percentage and .845 OPS.

Scott said he has been hitting off a tee for six weeks and has been doing weight work and just started a throwing program. He admitted he likely won't be ready to make throws from the outfield at the start of the season but shouldn't need much time to be ready, and then can play either corner spot.

He said he chose the Rays in part because of their recent success, in part because he grew up in Florida and in part because he prayed about it.

I don't care if he thinks Obama was born in Kenya...

 

LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUKE.

If he were healthy, I think he's a better left-handed bat to have off of the bench than Greg Dobbs is.