Burrell Close to Rays
Well, at least Pat Burrell already knows the Tampa/Clearwater area.
Burrell Close to Rays
Todd Zolecki
Well, at least Pat Burrell already knows the Tampa/Clearwater area.
Burrell is close to a two-year, $16 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. His career in Philadelphia ended when the Phillies signed Raul Ibanez last month. Burrell reportedly will be Tampa Bay's DH, which should be interesting because Burrell hasn't fared well as a DH. In 85 at-bats in 22 career games as a DH, Burrell has hit .153 with just one homer and seven RBIs.
Burrell made $14 million last season with the Phillies, which was one reason why the Phillies didn't offer him salary arbitration. They figured if they offered Burrell salary arbitration that he would accept because he would have received a raise, possibly making $16 million next season on a one-year contract. The Phillies simply preferred to go in a different direction, so they declined to offer Burrell arbitration and didn't pursue him as a free agent. They believe they're a better team with Ibanez than Burrell.
Of course, time will tell.
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There's going to be a lot of talk in upcoming weeks about salary arbitration and potential long term contracts for Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels. Keep in mind that Howard can't become a free agent until after the 2011 season and Hamels can't become a free agent until after the 2012 season, so the Phillies don't feel any immediate pressure to get anything done. Instead, I think you'll see the Phillies try to sign players like Jayson Werth and Ryan Madson to contract extensions because they can become free agents sooner. Now, if the Phillies and Howard/Hamels talked about a deal that made sense, I think the Phillies would move on it. But if Howard is looking for A-Rod money, they're not just going to give it to him, either.
lseltzer - We play TB in 2 exhibition games at CBP on April 3rd and 4th, so I'm sure that's going to be exciting.— MarkNJ- Sad to say, but Pat may have a better chance at a second World Series ring then the Phils. Pat is nobody's fool. He is going to a team that is young and loaded with pitching and talent. Burell-1- Amaro Jr.-nada-.— rockinrob
- THanks for everything Pat. Best of luck in the AL.— mwilx1
Comment removed.- Dont forget, Florida does not have income taxes. So his 2 year 16 mill is a lot more than it seems. I am not sure what tax bracket he was in, but the deal would not be equal if the Phils offered the same thing.— 93phils
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- rockinrob, do you forget that the Yankees and Red Sox are in the same division as the Rays?— 93phils
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- We need to sign Lowe.— MiddleNameHussein
- Potus415 - the Cubs had too many righthanded bats...It hurt them in the playoffs, but I agree with your logic. There just aren't that many quality lefties in the game...and we have one of the best already on our team.— Discostu
- "although I love him to death (and I'm not gay)" anyone that has to go out of their way to pronounce they are "not gay," is clearly gay.— Jim C.
- Looking back, did we do better with Pat Burrell than we would have with J.D. Drew?— J H
- cant wait to see Pat as a Ray at Citizens Bank Park in early April, I wonder if Pat will stick around to get his ring during the Phillies opening night, since the Rays dont play until the next day in Boston and Pat will be in town for two days before hand— BHite15
2@16 for PB vs. Raul at 3@31. PB is a no brainer at these numbers. Commitment is shorter, PB is much younger, both are weak in the field but PB has a gun for a arm, a great eye and the chemistry is proven. I would rather use the extra bucks toward sinker baller Derrick Lowe.— Earl J- Elvis will also be in heat there.........— Earl J
