Blalock agrees to minor league deal with Rays

Two-time All-Star Hank Blalock has agreed to a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, SI.com has learned. Blalock will make a $925,000 in base salary

Two-time All-Star Hank Blalock has agreed to a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, SI.com has learned.

Blalock will make a $925,000 in base salary and can earn and additional $350,000 in performance incentives based on plate appearances.

Blalock, 29, hit .234 with 25 homers and 66 RBIs last season for Texas, where he split time at first base and DH. He was limited to 58 and 65 games in 2007 and '08, respectively, due to injuries.

If Blalock makes the team, he would likely serve as a left-handed compliment to Pat Burrell at designated hitter and could spell Carlos Pena at first base.