Will Rhymes likes what he sees in the Rays.

And he's looking forward to coming to spring training and competing for a job.

"Their style of play really appealed to me - the way they run their organization, how they do things,'' Rhymes said. "It seemed like a good fit to me.''

Rhymes has played primarily second base, but has experience elsewhere and said he is comfortable at third, shortstop and in the outfield. He seems likely to compete with Elliot Johnson for the utility infield job, but the Rays could be looking for a couple of bench players.

"I was just looking for a chance to come in and compete for a job,'' Rhymes said.

If he doesn't make the big-league team out of spring training, he said he'll go to Triple-A Durham and try to earn a promotion from there.

Rhymes - listed at 5-foot-9, 155 pounds - has a reputation as a gritty, scrappy player. "That's kinda been my rep,'' Rhymes said. "I just play as hard as I can.''

Rhymes is an outgoing type, with his own website, willrhymes.com, Facebook page, facebook.com/willrhymes28 and Twitter account @willrhymes .

He chose the Rays from a number of opportunities, after being unexpectedly non-tendered by the Tigers, who apparently felt they had enough depth and valued the roster spot.