Rays C Paul gets $150,000 raise after losing in arbitration

PHOENIX -- The Tampa Bay Devil Rays won the first arbitration decision of the year Saturday -- against backup catcher Josh Paul.

The Devil Rays are Josh Paul's fourth team. (Getty Images)

Paul sought a raise from $475,000 to $940,000 at Friday's hearing. The Devil Rays countered with $625,000. Only one figure may be chosen, and the three arbitrators decided on the club's offer.

Paul hit .260 with one homer and eight RBI in 146 at-bats last season.

He is best known for a play during the 2005 playoffs while with the Los Angeles Angels. Umpire Doug Eddings ruled Paul did not glove Kelvim Escobar's pitch before it hit the ground, allowing A.J. Pierzynski to reach base as the White Sox rallied in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the AL Championship Series. The White Sox went on to tie the series and win their first World Series since 1917.