"The addition of Luke Scott gives the Tampa Bay Rays a left-handed power bat, one they feel comfortable with in matchups against left-handed pitching. It does not, however, mean the Rays have landed a full-time designated hitter.

Nor does it mean the Rays have centered their search on a full-time first baseman.

Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Thursday his options are open as he continues to find more offense.

"We're just looking for a bat. We like to have options. We like to be as flexible as we can be. We don't want to pigeon hole ourselves into any one area if we can avoid it, just because it expands the applicant pool," Friedman said. "We're just going through a long list of names right now and trying to figure out how we can line up on the best player that we can when factoring offense, fit with our offensive unit, defense and the net result."

The Rays signed Scott this week to a one-year deal worth $5 million, with a club option for 2013 that calls for a $6 million salary or a $1 million buyout. The former Oriole can reach performance bonuses both seasons based on plate appearances.

Friedman said he has been interested in Scott for several years. Scott, 33, can play both corner outfield positions as well as first base. He also has experience as a designated hitter.

"One thing we really like is obviously his success against right-handed pitchers, but also his ability to handle left-handers and not need an extra (roster) spot to help protect that," Friedman said.

Scott is a lifetime .271 hitter against right-handers with 82 home runs, a .357 on-base percentage and a .501 slugging percentage. Against lefties, those numbers are .240, 30, .318 and .469.

Scott missed the final two months of the 2011 season after having surgery in late July to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He said the shoulder will be healthy enough by Opening Day to allow him to hit and play first base, but he doesn't think he can return to the outfield until May or June.

Also, Scott said Thursday he is not ready for life as a fulltime DH."