Rays sign RHP Nelson to one-year deal

Dec 30, 2008 - 6:07 PM ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (Ticker) -- The Tampa Bay Rays added another arm to their bullpen Tuesday, signing righthander Joe Nelson to a one-year contract.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Nelson, 34, was 3-1 with one save and a 2.00 ERA in a career-high 59 relief outings for the Florida Marlins last season.

"We feel like Joe can really help our bullpen," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. "He had a tremendous season in 2008 and has been very effective against both left-handed and right-handed hitters."

Over 107 career games, Nelson is 4-2 with 10 saves and a 4.09 ERA with the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals and Marlins.