Former Cardinal closer Jason Isringhausen has signed a minor league deal with the American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays and will report to camp this Saturday.  Isringhausen could compete for their closer’s role.

Isringhausen is seven saves short of 300 and is a good insurance policy for the Rays.  Their closer Troy Percival had back surgery and if there are complications, that could open the door for Izzy.

Isringhausen is 36 and saved 12 games last year while blowing seven opportunities.  He went 1-5 with a 5.70 ERA and also lost a fight with a television set in the clubhouse at Milwaukee after one of his poor outings