The Tampa Bay Rays have signed veteran infielder Eric Hinske to a minor league deal with an invitation to major league spring training. Hinske, 30, joins the Rays from the Boston Red Sox, where he appeared in all three rounds of Boston's 2007 championship run. He played 84 games for the Red Sox last season, including 43 at first base, 24 in left field and 12 in right field. He totaled 6 home runs, 21 RBI and 28 walks in 186 at-bats. Hinske was named American League Rookie of the Year in 2002 after hitting .279 with 24 home runs, 84 RBI, 99 runs scored and 13 stolen bases for the Toronto Blue Jays.