As expected, the Rays have signed free-agent outfielder Cliff Floyd to a one-year deal with a club option for 2009.

Floyd will make $2.75 million this season, with $2 million in incentives. If the team picks up his option in 2009, Floyd will make his 2008 salary (between $2.75  million and $4.75 million, based on the 2008 incentives, which are likely appearance based), with the opportunity to make another $2 million in incentives, so he could make up to $6.75 milion in '09. The Rays have a $250,000 buyout for 2009.

Floyd gives the Rays a left-handed bat who can help fill the team's vacant rightfield hole and also slide into the DH role along with Jonny Gomes and Rocco Baldelli. A 15-year major league veteran, he has spent most of his career in the National League. He hit .316 in 47 games for the Red Sox in 2003 after Boston acquired him at the trade deadline.

Floyd, however, owns a .382 career batting average (29-for-76) at Tropicana Field, tied for the second best average all-time among players with at least 75 at bats. Most of those at bats came as a member of the Marlins.

Floyd will also add a veteran leadership presence to the young Rays clubhouse as a member of three playoff teams, including the 1997 World Champion Marlins. The '06 Mets and '07 Cubs were the other teams Floyd played for that went to the playoffs.

Conference calls with Floyd and executive VP Andrew Friedman are coming up at 2:30.