When healthy, versatile Scott gives Rays many options

Yes, the sampling is small, but so is the production.

Look at Luke Scott's numbers against some of the Tampa Bay Rays pitchers: A .143 batting average against Jeff Niemann; a .154 average against David Price; a .182 mark against Jeremy Hellickson.

And Scott has yet to face Matt Moore.

"It's very tough to make a living against that pitching staff," Scott said.

Problem solved. Scott is now charged with helping that staff win games.

The outfielder/first baseman/designated hitter joined the Rays in January on a one-year contract with a club option for 2013 that will pay him $5 million this season and $6 million (with a $1 million buyout) in 2013.

"He brings some offensive attitude," Rays manager Joe Maddon said.

The left-handed hitting Scott, who missed the final two months of the 2011 season after having surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right (throwing) shoulder, averaged 25 home runs from 2008 to 2010 – his first three years with the Orioles. The Rays like his ability to hit left-handers. Maddon likes Scott's ability grind out an at-bat.

"He's a hard out," Maddon said. "I don't think he gets enough credit for that."

Scott, 33, is perhaps best known for questioning President Barack Obama's American citizenship, which he did in 2010. He's also an avid hunter and a devout Christian and is not shy about sharing his views on either subject.

A product of Deland, Scott is outspoken on topics other than baseball, and that is often frowned upon in Major League Baseball.

Yet Scott also has the reputation of being a good teammate, great for clubhouse chemistry. He challenged Felix Pie to strive to reach his potential when Pie joined the Orioles in a trade from the Cubs and the two are close friends.

The Rays players have noticed.

"I always look at (Scott) across the field, he's always having a good time, smiling, joking around with the guys," Price said. "That's what this team is about. We're one unit. We have a good time. Everybody has a relationship with everyone on the team. We feel like this guy is a good addition."

Scott said he doesn't see any reason why he wouldn't mesh with his new teammates.

"I'm a pretty easy guy to get along with, low-maintenance guy. I go, I do my work, try to enjoy my teammates," he said. "I respect everybody. Once they're my teammates, they're like my brothers, they're like my family. I'm going to spend more time with them than I will with my own family. I'm excited. I'm looking forward to it."

Scott said his shoulder rehabilitation is coming along fine, but he won't be able to make the long throws from the outfield until May or June. He said he will be ready to serve as the DH on Opening Day and might also be able to play first base by that time on days Carlos Peña needs a rest.

Where Scott bats will be determined during spring training, but he could be used as protection for Evan Longoria.

Where he plays in the field (once his shoulder fully heals) will likely be determined on a nightly basis.

But he will play every day, executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said, and Maddon said he is happy for the addition.

"When his arm is well his defense is fine," Maddon said. "He does a lot of things we like. He plays hard. He runs hard to first base. A lot of things he can do go unnoticed."