Burrell’s bat is talking quite loudly

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)