Former Arkansas Razorback Eric Hinske, previously of the 2008 American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays, has signed a 1-year deal with the Pittsburg Pirates.

The deal is reportively worth $1.5 million with an additional $1 million in incentives.

Hinske, 31, played baseball at the University of Arkansas before being drafted in the 17th round of the 1998 draft by the Chicago Cubs. Two years and two trades later, he was the 2002 American League Rookie of The Year. He has appeared in both the 2007 and 2008 World Series, making the last out of the latter.

In 2008, Hinske hit .247 with 20 homeruns in 133 games with the Rays. He plays outfield and the corner infield positions.

It was announced Monday that the Tampa Bay Rays have signed Arkansas-Born Pat Burrell to add power to their lineup.

Burrell, 32, grew up in California but was born in Eureka Springs, AR. He was drafted as the #1 overall draft pick in 1998 draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. Burrell spent his first 8 seasons with them and racked-up a total of 251 homeruns and a career .257 batting average. He currently ranks second all-time among players born in Arkansas in the homerun category. Only Brooks Robinson has more with 268, a record which, if his health permits, Burrell will likely break in 2009.

The Rays will probably use Burrell as a DH.