Burrell, 32, will be the Rays' designated hitter. He leaves the Phillies ranked third on the franchise's all-time list with 251 home runs. Only Mike Schmidt, with 548, and Del Ennis, with 259, hit more as Phillies.

"At the end of last year, obviously, I got a chance to know the team pretty well," Burrell said of his new employer at a news conference in St. Petersburg, Fla. "I think this team is going to be competitive for a long time. As a little bit older player . . . I'm here to help."

Burrell was the first overall pick in the 1998 draft and spent nine seasons in the majors with the Phils. The leftfielder's time in Philadelphia was marked by periods of inconsistency, but he averaged 31 homers and 98 RBIs over the last four seasons.

The high point of Burrell's time with the Phils came in his final at-bat with the club. His double in the seventh inning of Game 5 of the World Series to set up the go-ahead run in the clinching 4-3 victory.

Two days after helping the Phils win their first World Series in 28 years, Burrell; his wife, Michelle; and Elvis, the couple's 125-pound English bulldog, rode at the front of a rousing victory parade down Broad Street. Elvis was a regular at Citizens Bank Park, often staying in the clubhouse laundry room during games.

Although yesterday's signing made it official, Burrell's departure from Philadelphia had been a fait accompli for weeks. The team made no real effort to re-sign him, choosing instead to sign former Seattle Mariners leftfielder Raul Ibanez to a three-year, $31.5 million contract.

Phils officials believe Ibanez will provide more consistency, offensively and defensively, than Burrell.

"We wish Pat the best of luck in the future with Tampa Bay, and, hopefully, we'll get a chance to see him in the World Series next year," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "Pat was one of our leaders, and we came to admire and respect the perseverance he showed during tough times in Philadelphia."

Burrell made $14 million last season in the final year of a six-year, $50 million contract. His new deal averages $8 million per season, well below what Burrell likely sought earlier in the off-season.

"As we all know, the market isn't what it was when we came into the off-season," said Ed Hayes, one of Burrell's agents. "It's a good contract in today's market. And more importantly, it provides Pat with an opportunity to win again. That's what he was most interested in."

The Rays, born as an expansion club in 1998, did not win more than 70 games in any of their first 10 seasons. Brimming with young talent, they won 97 games in 2008 and finished first in the rugged American League East.

In addition to giving the Rays righthanded power, Burrell is expected to provide leadership in the youthful clubhouse. Former Phillies teammates say Burrell was excellent in that role.

Burrell maintains a residence in the Tampa Bay area. He will see his former teammates in a pair of spring-training games, then again on June 23-25, when the Phillies visit Tropicana Field.

Notes. Pitcher Chan Ho Park will be in Philadelphia this week for a physical, after which his signing will be officially announced. . . . The Phils have been mentioned in media reports as contenders to sign free-agent pitcher Derek Lowe, but sources say that characterization has been exaggerated. The team talked with Lowe's representatives earlier this winter, before Jamie Moyer re-signed. While the Phils continue to monitor Lowe's status, it is doubtful they would be serious players for the pitcher, who is seeking a multiyear deal in the neighborhood of $16 million per season. . . . The salary-arbitration filing period has begun. Figures will be exchanged Jan. 19. The Phils have eight players eligible for arbitration: Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Ryan Madson, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, Joe Blanton, Chad Durbin and Greg Dobbs.

Contact staff writer Jim Salisbury at 215-854-4983 or jsalisbury@phillynews.com.