The Tampa Bay Rays have signed right-handed relief pitcher Joe Nelson to a one-year contract. Nelson, 34, went 3-1 with one save and a 2.00 ERA in a career-high 59 relief outings for the Marlins in 2008. His ERA ranked third among National League relievers (10th in majors) behind the Dodgers? Hong-Chih Kuo (1.69) and the Phillies? Brad Lidge (1.95). "We feel like Joe can really help our bullpen,? said Rays Executive Vice President, Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. ?He had a tremendous season in 2008 and has been very effective against both left-handed and right-handed hitters. Our bullpen was a large part of our success in 2008 and our quest is to have one of the top bullpens in the American League on an annual basis. Adding Joe certainly helps on that front."