Phillies pass on arbitration for Burrell

Dec/02/08 06:34 PM Filed in: Pat Burrell
PatBurrell
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The Pat Burrell era in Philadelphia took one step toward its possible conclusion after the World Series champion Phillies balked at offering he and 16-game winner Jamie Moyer arbitration prior to the midnight (et) Tuesday morning deadline.

Burrell, who made $14 million last season, hit 33 home runs and drove in 86 runs for the Phillies last season, yet routinely came out of games in the late innings for defensive purposes and struggled during the postseason.

The decision to forgo an arbitration offer to Burrell does not completely close the door on his return, but does keep the club out of a financial corner with the outfielder in case he accepted arbitration if offered, leaving the Phillies strapped for cash with raises for pitching ace Cole Hamels, first baseman Ryan Howard and outfielder Shane Victorino likely coming soon.

Moyer, who finished 16-7 with a 3.71 earned run average last season, is 46 years old, but the two sides have a desire to work out a contract.
The Phillies also didn't offer arbitration to a pair of veteran relievers, Tom Gordon and Rudy Seanez.

(seattlepi.com)