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Rays Bring Back Paul

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 2, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - The Rays brought back a familiar face Friday while also taking a flier on a pitcher absent from the majors the past two seasons.

Tampa Bay signed catcher Josh Paul and left-hander Brian Anderson to minor-league contracts and invited both to major-league camp. Paul would make $675,000 if he spends the entire season in the majors, and Anderson $475,000.

Paul was the Rays' backup catcher the past two seasons and will have a chance to win that job again. His 2007 campaign was truncated by elbow and back injuries, and he hit .190 in 35 games. He became a free agent after the season but couldn't secure a major-league contract.

The 32-year-old will compete with Shawn Riggans and Mike DiFelice for the right to back up Dioner Navarro, though Riggans is considered the front-runner.

Anderson, 35, is a veteran of 13 seasons in the majors but has been sidelined with elbow problems since making six starts for the Royals in 2005. Anderson could eventually become the lefty reliever the Rays lack, but he is not expected to be completely healthy by Opening Day.

Marc Lancaster

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