Rays sign P Fernando Rodney

7:40 PM, Jan 4, 2012   |    comments
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St. Petersburg, FL (Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Rays signed free agent pitcher Fernando Rodney to a one-year contract Wednesday.

The deal also includes a club option for 2013.

Rodney spent last season with the Angels, posting a 3-5 record with 4.50 ERA and three saves in 39 relief appearances.

"Fernando's pure stuff is top-notch and can beat hitters both in and out of the strike zone," said Andrew Friedman, the Rays' executive vice president of baseball operations. "We feel he will be able to maximize his ability with us to further strengthen our bullpen."

A nine-year veteran with the Tigers and Angels, Rodney has appeared in 419 games with a 22-38 record, 87 saves and a 4.29 earned run average in 430 innings out of the bullpen. The right-hander has struck out 393 and walked 233.

Rodney will earn $1.75 million in 2012.  If the Rays pick up Rodney's option in 2013, the pitcher will earn $2.5 million.

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