Pat Burrell realistic about time on bench

Burrell making best of his time on bench

Pat Burrell provided one of the more heartwarming stories of the offseason, when his love of being a Giant was so great that he practically signed a blank contract with no guarantee of playing time.

The reality of being glued to the bench is much different, though. Burrell has started just five of the past 14 games. Is he pining to get off the pine?

"It's been all right. I signed up for it," he said. "There was no guarantee for me last year, either. And really, there shouldn't be for anyone on any team. If you play well, you're going to play. If not, you more than likely won't."

Burrell entered Wednesday with a .233 average and 39 strikeouts in 116 at-bats, although his .346 on-base percentage was more respectable. He also was 0 for 6 as a pinch hitter but drew an important walk in the ninth to load the bases and sustain a rally Tuesday night.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Burrell stopped by his office Tuesday afternoon to remind Bochy that he was a .375 hitter against Florida Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco. But that's as far as Burrell will take his lobbying efforts.

"He's been one of the best I've seen, considering his track record in this league," Bochy said. "He's such a great teammate. When he's not in there, he's in the dugout pulling for guys and helping them. He's understanding of our situation, and he stays ready."

During last year's run to the World Series, Burrell helped to keep the clubhouse from tensing up. He is preaching calm now, even though the club has scored the fewest runs in the National League.

"Last year at this time, I was just getting here," said Burrell, who was released by the Tampa Bay Rays before signing a minor league deal with the Giants last season. "From everything I hear, it was pretty similar. We'll find our stride."



(mercurynews.com)