It was reported last week that the Padres and right-hander Chad Qualls were close to agreement on a one-year contract. That deal is now official and Corey Brock of MLB.com has the financial terms.
Qualls will make $1.5 million this season and another $1.05 million if his club option for 2012 is not exercised.
The 32-year-old posted a disappointing 7.32 ERA and 1.80 WHIP across 59 inning last season for the Diamondbacks and Rays, but he was the victim of bad luck all season and he still throws a fastball that averaged 92.1 MPH in 2010.
Our guess is that he will bounce back in San Diego, where the ballpark is very pitcher-friendly and where he is going to be asked to serve mostly as a middle reliever. Qualls is probably fourth in line for saves behind Heath Bell, Mike Adams and Luke Gregerson.