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Floyd Signing Made Official

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By MARC LANCASTER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 18, 2007

Updated: 12/17/2007 11:47 pm

ST. PETERSBURG - Cliff Floyd owns a World Series ring that has been around longer than the Rays have been playing baseball, so it's fair to say he'll be able to spread some wisdom around a young clubhouse.

That won't be Floyd's primary job, however. The veteran outfielder, whose long-awaited signing became official Monday afternoon, told everyone who would listen he expects Tampa Bay to field a competitive team in 2008.

"I know what other people want to say outside of our organization right now," Floyd said on a conference call. "But talk is talk and hopefully we'll come to spring training with a different agenda and ready to win some games next year."

If he can stay healthy, Floyd could help the Rays move farther down that path than they have been in their decade of existence.

The 35-year-old agreed to a one-year deal that will pay him at least $2.75 million in 2008 (plus a potential $2 million more in incentives based on plate appearances) and also includes a club option for 2009. The base salary for the option year would be whatever total payout Floyd receives in 2008, including any incentives. He would be able to add up to $2 million more to that total based on incentives. Or the Rays could decline the option and pay him a $250,000 buyout.

Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said he anticipates Floyd playing the outfield "two to four" days a week. The actual breakdown will depend on the pitchers the Rays are facing and the status of the others expected to split time between right field and the designated hitter slot, Jonny Gomes and Rocco Baldelli.

No matter where or how often his name is penciled into the lineup, Floyd also figures to have an impact on the players around him. Though he said he isn't much of a talker, Floyd is widely considered a positive clubhouse influence. That attribute is in line with the character makeover the Rays have undergone this off-season, but Floyd isn't ready to settle in as a full-time mentor just yet.

"I'm not coming in to teach and play the big veteran guy role," he said. "I'm coming in to win some games. I want them to know I'm here to win and help them win, get this thing going."

Marc Lancaster can be reached at (813) 259-7227 or mlancaster@tampatrib.com.

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