Rays sign free agent outfielder Burrell

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The American League champion Tampa Bay Rays signed free-agent outfielder Pat Burrell to a $16 million, two-year deal on Monday, Major League Baseball said on its website (www.mlb.com).

The Rays, beaten in the World Series by Philadelphia, may give the former Phillies left-fielder the designated hitter's role.

The 32-year-old Burrell, who has spent all nine of his major league campaigns with the Phillies, hit 33 home runs and drove in 86 runs last season.

(Writing by Larry Fine, Editing by Tony Jimenez)