Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times says that Hank Blalock could end up at Triple-A Durham if he does not find a better opportunity.

“I really think he’s going to have a big year, and we want it to be with us,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said.

Early on Wednesday we heard that Blalock would not accept an assignment to the Minor Leagues if he did not make the team.

Blalock, 29, hit 25 home runs in 2009 for the Texas Rangers, but had a .277 on-base percentage. You can see Blalock’s contract history and statistics here.