Luke Scott is looking forward to life in the AL East without having to face Tampa Bay's young, talented pitching staff. The power-hitting free agent first baseman-outfielder was added to the middle of the Rays lineup Thursday after agreeing to a one-year contract that includes a club option for 2013. He figures to be the team's primary designated hitter, although he also brings some versatility that will provide manager Joe Maddon some flexibility on defense. Scott's deal is worth $5 million and allows for performance bonuses based on plate appearances, a source told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney. The Rays hold a $6 million option for 2013, with a $1 million buyout, the source said. "It's going to be a joy," Scott said by telephone from Oklahoma, where he is rehabbing a shoulder injury that limited him to 64 games with Baltimore last season. "Not having to face that pitching staff is definitely going to be a relief. They have tremendous arms in that rotation and in their bullpen. ... It's very tough to make a living against that pitching staff." The Rays are just as happy to gain Scott's bat. Read more: http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7455067/luke-scott-agrees-1-year-contract-tampa-bay-rays-dh
