Burrell can’t shake slump

Sep/09/06 11:49 PM Filed in: Pat Burrell
MIAMI — Phillies left fielder Pat Burrell, a frequent target of boos at Citizens Bank Park, isn’t living up to manager Charlie Manuel’s expectations, either. “When you’re looking at Pat, you’re looking at a .270-.285 hitter with 30 to 40 bombs,” Manuel said Friday before the Phillies’ 3-2 win over the Florida Marlins.

With the regular season down to 21 games, Burrell will have trouble getting there due to a .240 average and two homers since Aug 1. For the season, the slugger was batting .254 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs after going 1-for-4 with a double and a strikeout on Friday. “Mentally, he’s just in a funk,” Manuel said. Manuel has responded. Since July 25, Burrell has started only 33 times in 43 games. And of late, Manuel occasionally has opted for new protection behind cleanup hitter Ryan Howard. On Friday, Burrell hit sixth for the third time this season — all since Aug. 29 — with Jeff Conine plugged in the No. 5 hole. “I think Pat definitely has more power, but I think Conine right now is a better option of making solid contact,” Manuel said.

(phillyburbs.com)