Agent: Burrell won't be a Phillie

LAS VEGAS — Pat Burrell may prefer to remain with the Phillies, but his agent has told the Courier-Post that the veteran left fielder almost certainly will be playing elsewhere in 2009.

With Burrell's name generating little buzz Tuesday on Day 2 of the annual winter meetings, one of his agents, Ed Hayes, said the Phillies haven't shown much interest in re-signing Burrell, the top right-handed power threat in their lineup for several seasons.

"I'm hopeful but I'm also a realist, and I'd be surprised," Hayes said when asked if he could see Burrell continuing his career with the Phillies, the only team he has ever known. "I have not heard anything that would lead me to believe the club wants to have him back."

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. admitted the Phillies haven't had substantive discussions with Burrell's representatives, and the club appears to be moving on by talking with free-agent outfielder Raul Ibanez and engaging in trade talk that could yield versatile Mark DeRosa.

Burrell, 32, is looking for a three-year contract, according to industry sources. But the slow-moving free-agent market hasn't developed for position players, and although Hayes said he has had discussions with multiple teams, it is possible Burrell won't find a suitor until after Manny Ramirez, Mark Teixeira, Raul Ibanez and other top free-agent hitters are signed.

It's expected that Burrell will draw interest from American League teams seeking a designated hitter.

(courierpostonline.com)