Burrell leads off game with home run, then sits

PHILADELPHIA -- Success hasn't changed Joe Maddon.

The Rays' quirky manager, known for being conventionally unconventional, threw another curveball Saturday afternoon when he batted Pat Burrell in the leadoff spot.

One day after Burrell stole his first base since 2004, the former Phillies outfielder batted first for the first time in his career.

Burrell one-upped his manager's unpredictability by jacking a solo shot deep to left off Cole Hamels' fourth pitch, the first dagger in the Rays' 9-7 win.

"It's not like I wanted that to happen," Hamels said. "But it's Pat. I'll let him get away with that in spring training, but during the season not a chance."

As promised, Maddon lifted Burrell after the half inning, immediately replacing him with Brian Zobrist.

"Well, I just wanted one at-bat, so I figured what better way?" Maddon said before the game. "So let's get all this done in Philadelphia in one fell swoop. Perfect situation."

(delawareonline.com)