SAN DIEGO -- Cliff Floyd certainly enjoyed his one season with Tampa Bay in 2008, and he means no offense to the Junior Circuit, but the 36-year-old would just as soon finish his career where he started it:

Back in the National League.

"I love the National League style of baseball," Floyd said. "It's a good fit for me. I got a chance to play in the American League last year. The games are way too long."

On Thursday, the Padres added the left-handed bat to their bench that they have desired this offseason, reeling in Floyd, who is a career .279 hitter over 16 seasons with Montreal, Florida, Boston, the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay.

Floyd will make $750,000 this season.

Last season, Floyd helped the Rays to the World Series, hitting .268 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs in 246 at-bats.

Floyd suffered a labrum injury to his right shoulder diving back into second base during Game 2 of the World Series and said at the time if the injury required surgery, he would retire. But Floyd didn't need surgery and instead treated the injury with therapy.

"I just went to rehab, listened to what the doctor told me to do and rested my body," he said. "During the World Series, we didn't know [the extent of the injury]. ... But I feel good."

The Rays declined his $2.75 million option after the season.

Towers said Floyd will essentially serve the same role another veteran left-handed hitter -- Tony Clark -- did a year ago: pinch-hitting late in games and serving as the designated hitter during nine Interleague road games.

Floyd's best season came in 2001 with Florida when he hit .317 with 31 home runs and 103 RBIs. He made the NL All-Star team that season. Floyd earned a World Series ring with the Marlins in 1997 in his first season with Florida.

"He's a great guy, I can tell you that much," Towers said. "He brings some leadership qualities to our club. He reminds me a little of Mike Cameron. He brings some intangibles that we will need down there [in the clubhouse]. We wanted some veteran attitude."

To make room for Floyd on the 40-man roster, the Padres designated pitcher and former overall No. 1 Draft pick Matt Bush for assignment.