Apr/20/08 11:50 AM Filed in:
Pat Burrell
PHILADELPHIA — There
comes a point in the career of a major leaguer
when the light switch just gets flipped on.
For some, it comes in the first year of a career. For
others, it happens too late to salvage things.
For Pat Burrell, that switch seems to have been hit at
just the right time.
Through the first three weeks of the season, Burrell
has been the Phillies best player. Entering yesterday's
game against the Mets, Burrell was hitting .364 with
six homers and 17 RBIs.
“He's seeing the ball well and he's studying the
pitcher more,” Phils manager Charlie Manuel said.
“He's always been a guy who practiced a lot. But
he's watching more video before the game.”
It should be noted that Burrell has done this before
— his .277 career average in April coming into
this season is the highest of any month of the season.
(In June, his average dips to .222.)
This April, though, there seems to be something
different. And if it keeps up, it could put the
Phillies in a very interesting dilemma.
For years, there has been this belief that the club
would have sent Burrell anywhere they could have,
provided they could get out from under the 6-year, $50
million contract they dished out to him before the 2003
season. (There was also that little hang-up about
Burrell waiving his no-trade clause, which he has
always seemed to balk at.)
Well, this is the sixth year of that deal — which
has Burrell's salary at $14 million. That money is
something the Phillies may really need to pay Ryan
Howard or Cole Hamels in arbitration next winter.
But what will they do if Burrell puts up monster
numbers that almost demand his retention? For all the
talk of how much of a defensive liability he can be,
Burrell is this club's only consistent right-handed
power threat and a big piece behind Howard in the
lineup. (You can make the argument that Burrell should
be hitting cleanup right now as Howard's struggles
continue at the plate.)
For that matter, Burrell could command decent money on
the open market — especially as a designated
hitter in the AL — if he tests the waters.
Will it be $14 million per year? Honestly, that answer
is probably no. But what if the Red Sox put up $12
million as a cheaper and younger alternative to Manny
Ramirez in left field? Or the Yankees spend some of the
Jason Giambi salary on him?
The potential free agent market in left field next year
will be highlighted — most likely — by
Ramirez. Beyond Burrell, the other big names on the
list are older guys (Moises Alou), enigmas (Adam Dunn
or Milton Bradley) or role players (Kevin Mench, Craig
Monroe or Jason Michaels.)
Are any of those guys better than Burrell right now?
The answer is no.
Despite what you think, players play for pride more
than the paycheck. But right now, the Phillies have a
double-edged sword with Burrell. He's playing like a
motivated player searching for a new contract — a
deal that may ultimately lead him out of Philadelphia.
(phillyburbs.com)