The St. Peterburg-Times is reporting that the Rays are closing in on a deal with free agent first baseman/DH Hank Blalock. Blalock hit a mediocre .234 with 25 home runs and a .277 on-base percentage.

A .269 hitter, Blalock has battled injuries the past couple seasons but if healthy if he could be a productive team member. If he joins the Rays, he will likely see most of his time as a designated hitter and maybe as an occasional alternative to Carlos Pena at first base.