Giants bring up Pat Burrell from minors, looks to shine one more time

Hopefully, Pat Burrell doesn't need the money, especially since Tampa Bay is still on the hook for the two-year, $16 million guaranteed contract they gave him in 2009.

So, it is the strong desire to compete at the highest level that put him in a Fresno Grizzlies uniform, with the understanding that the run-desperate San Francisco Giants would give the veteran a chance to play in their outfield.

Burrell is also a realist.

"I believe I can be productive," he said prior to a May 30 game against the Salt Lake Bees. "But a lot of guys believe that and it's not exactly true.

"We'll soon see."

Burrell was called up Friday. He was OK in Triple-A. In five games, he hit .313 with a home run - against the Bees - and drove in six. The Giants hope that the 33-year-old outfielder can squeeze out one more good year and boost one of the National League's most anemic offenses.

San Francisco ranks 14th among all N.L. teams in runs per game, a shame considering the team's high level of pitching. With Burrell, the Giants' outfield defense is not exactly water tight now, either. Not with Aubrey Huff, a first baseman, also taking a fielder's glove to make room for rookie Buster Posey.

In 2009, Burrell signed as a designated hitter for Tampa. He was unsuccessful in the role, having hit just .218 with 16 homers in less than 500 at bats. He was released in April.

"Whatever happens, I'm thankful for the Giants giving me a chance to play," he said. "The DH thing wasn't working out. I'd like a chance to play the field. I don't think I can contribute at the major league level as a DH."

Some players like hanging out in the dugout and clubhouse for nine innings, then taking their four whacks at the plate. Burrell didn't, but with the likes of Carl Crawford and B.J. Upton, there wasn't room for Burrell in the Rays outfield.

The Giants want the 2008 version of Burrell, the one who cranked out 33 homers and helped Philadelphia win the World Series.

Burrell was allowed to participate in the Phillies ring ceremony before flying onward to Boston for a game later that night.

"It was emotional," Burrell said. "The ovation from the fans. I had good times and bad times. Winning the World Series helped. I went out on that note."

Burrell has had a respectable big league career, one that includes 267 homers and 904 RBIs. He left the park 30 or more times and drove in 100 or more twice.

He also helped make Philadelphia respectable. The Phillies won 75 games in 1998, the year Burrell was their No. 1 draft pick.

"It made it all worthwhile," Burrell said of going from the cellar to the penthouse.

So, the Giants have banked that Burrell brings some thunder as well as a winning attitude. Whether it happens is another story. There is a sense, though, that Burrell is ready for whatever comes.

"I wouldn't be here unless I believed it," he said.

Then again, others have, too.



(sltrib.com)