Burrell looks to join trio at All-Star Game

PHILADELPHIA -- Could this be the year Pat Burrell finds his way to an All-Star team?

The Phillies left fielder has improved on his historically fast pace. With two days left in April, Burrell has already surpassed his home run and RBIs totals for any March/April period of his career. His previous best month came in 2006, when he batted .300 with seven homers and 21 RBIs.

On a team with a red-hot Chase Utley, Burrell's .349 average is among the top 10. He collected his 23rd and 24th RBIs came on April 24, and set a franchise record for April, besting Von Hayes, who set the previous mark of 22, set in 1989.

The most noticeable approach has been in his swing.

"[Burrell's] got more wiggle in his swing -- takes the bat back and is more straight up," manager Charlie Manuel said. "He's got the plate covered and he's been hitting better."

(mlb.com)