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When Carlos Pena had his breakout season for Tampa Bay in 2007, it wasn't as a member of the Rays. Pena was instead just another of the hapless Devil Rays, slogging along in soulless Tropicana Field. Friday, Carlos Pena

Carlos Pena reunites with the Rays after a year abroad, displacing Casey Kotchman at first base.

So the 2012 version of Carlos Pena isn't perfect — he's closer to a +2 win player than a +4 win player — but he's also the best overall hitter the Rays could add to their lineup right now. And at only $7.5 million, the Rays are

Pena played with the Rays from 2007-10, helping them reach the playoffs twice before signing as a free agent with the Chicago Cubs for $10 million last season.

Pena isn't quite the asset on defense that he was in his first stretch with Tampa Bay, but the Rays have their 2011 Casey Kotchman – plus some power. And, of course, minus the adequate – or even quality – batting average and the cost of a minor league