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Rays Close In On Shouse

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By MARC LANCASTER

mlancaster@tampatrib.com

Published: January 31, 2009

Updated: 01/31/2009 11:11 pm

ST. PETERSBURG - The Rays are on the verge of addressing their final apparent area of need this offseason, left-handed relief help, by signing veteran Brian Shouse.

Tampa Bay has an agreement in principle with the 40-year-old, who was one of the most effective lefty specialists in the game last season with the Brewers, but the deal won't become official until Shouse passes a physical.

ESPN.com, which first reported the deal, said Shouse will get a two-year deal. There were other indications the deal might in fact be for one year with an option for 2010.

Rays officials had no comment, nor did Shouse's agent, Slade Mead, when reached Saturday evening.

Earlier Saturday, however, Mead told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - without specifically addressing the Rays - that any team hoping to sign his client would have to guarantee more than one year.

"He's going to get a two-year deal," Mead told the paper. "It has been a tough market, but he will get a two-year deal."

Shouse, a nine-year major-leaguer, limited lefty hitters to a .180 batting average last season. Lefties drew two walks from him - one intentional - in 104 plate appearances. Among big-league relievers, only Mariano Rivera and J.C. Romero were stingier in allowing lefties to reach base.

Adding Shouse will give the Rays another lefty to complement J.P. Howell in the bullpen. He would essentially replace Trever Miller, who signed with St. Louis as a free agent.

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