Pat Burrell wants to return in 2011

Pat the Bat has thought about being Pat the Giant again in 2011.

Pat Burrell, who owns some of the team's biggest hits since he arrived in early June, said he is open to returning as a free agent next season even if he would not play every day.

"I came here from being on the couch doing nothing. It wasn't like my phone was ringing off the hook," said Burrell, who turns 34 next month. "For me, I got a lot of appreciation for this club giving me a chance. I'd be thrilled if they wanted to have me back."

The Giants signed the South Bay and Santa Cruz product for practically nothing after Tampa Bay released him in May. Since his Giants debut he has started 65 games in left field and shown he can play the position adequately.

The Giants must sort through a packed outfield at season's end. It could get more crowded with the return of Mark DeRosa and the emergence of prospect Brandon Belt. However, general manager Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy like experience. Odds are Bochy would find plenty of work for a guy who has 14 homers in 222 San Francisco at-bats this season.

"This is the one place I really wanted to come," Burrell said. "Fortunately it worked out for the club that I got a chance to play."



(sfgate.com)