Burrell willing to DH for Giants, if that's what it takes

SAN FRANCISCO - Playing every day rescued Pat Burrell from baseball's scrap heap, breathed new life into a career that seemed over when the Tampa Bay Rays released him in May.

He hated being a designated hitter, struggled with the inactivity of the role. But starting tonight, Burrell insists, he will embrace any role the Giants give him, hit anywhere. And when this series moves to Texas over the weekend, he will embrace the DH if that's the design.

"Here's the thing," he said before yesterday's workouts at AT & T Park. "With a group of guys who have played long enough to know how rare and important these moments are, I don't think you need any added motivation. That's kind of why I go back to the organization doing their homework on the guys they brought over. This is all about winning. You put personal stats and all the other stuff on the side and you take on any role.

"Because this is a chance to do something really good."

Burrell played in 96 games for the Giants, hit 18 home runs, knocked in 51 runs in the regular season. He has six hits this postseason, including a home run and three doubles, one that proved the difference in the Phillies' Game 1 loss in the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park.

"I'm sure if he has to be a DH in the Series, it's not the same as being a DH every day," said Giants centerfielder Aaron Rowand, another ex-Phillie.

Rowand, of course, is a big reason Burrell is again an everyday leftfielder, again in the postseason. It was Rowand whom Burrell called when he was released, and it was Rowand, with Giants first baseman Aubrey Huff, who talked Giants management into offering Burrell the minor league deal that began his reclamation.

"I always had the utmost conviction that he wasn't done," said Rowand. "DHing wasn't for him. And I think he knew it before he even went there.

"I knew right away, too, especially with his personality. He's always tuning, always preparing. He's a very smart baseball player. Sitting around and going to hit and sitting around and going to hit is not the style of baseball that's going to make him be his best.

"I knew if he had an opportunity to actually go and play, that he was going to be the Pat Burrell everybody expects him to. He's going to hit between .250 to .270, he's going to hit 20 to 30 home runs. He's going to take his walks. He strikes out occasionally.

"That's what he does."

Like many of the Giants, Burrell is relishing his second chance, his second postseason. Once seen as distant and aloof, he was heartfelt as he discussed what it was like to come back to the town he grew up near, playing for the team he rooted for as a kid, playing in front of his folks and family.

"I can't complain about anything," he said. "It's been great. I've been very lucky to get some pretty good opportunities. You have to be thankful. And seize the opportunity, have a good time and hopefully win another one."