Devil Rays sell Steve Cox to Japanese

TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Steve Cox, who set career highs in nearly every offensive category this season, Tuesday was sold by Rampa Bay to the Yokohama Bay Stars of the Japan Central League.

Cox, who expressed interest in playing in Japan, hit .254 with 16 homers and 72 RBI in 148 games this season. The 28-year-old first baseman was second on the team in games (148), at-bats (560) and RBI.

One of Tampa Bay's expansion draft selections in 1997, Cox is a .262 career hitter with 39 homers and 158 RBI in 378 games.