All is still quiet on the Phillies front, but expect some sort of news today, as the deadline to offer free agents arbitration approaches. The Phillies have just under seven hours to offer Jamie Moyer and Pat Burrell arbitration or the Phillies will not be compensated should they sign a deal with another team. Since both players are “Type A” free agents, the Phillies would be losing out on two high draft picks (a sandwich pick and a first or second, depending on the record of the team), if arbitration is not offered.

Moyer isn’t a real concern. It’s a guarantee he’ll be offered arbitration. The Phillies still hope to bring him back, so there would be no risk should he accept the arbitration (although he’s looking for a multi-year deal). It also may sway other teams from signing the 46 year-old free agent. In an era where teams value their farm systems, not many teams will want to part with a first round pick for a player at Moyer’s age.

Burrell is another story. Some local media outlets are reporting the Phillies will not offer Burrell arbitration. Should this be true, it will be the first stupid move of the Amaro Era. The big fear is should Burrell accept arbitration he’d be a Phillie for at least one more season (I guess that means when the front office says they want Burrell back, it really means they don’t).

First, while his salary is a concern an arbitrator’s not going to give him much more then he made last season ($14.25 million). Burrell was the 29th highest-paid player last year. It’s reported he wants a raise to $17 million for a new contract. Only 6 players made more then $17 million last season (Alex Rodriguez, Jason Giambi, Derek Jeter, Manny Ramirez, Carlos Beltran, & Ichiro Suzuki). Burrell isn’t in the class of player, and odds are wouldn’t win that arbitration hearing. Even if he should come back for $16 million; would that be such a bad thing? 30 home runs and 99 RBI’s aren’t easy to replace.

Secondly, why would Burrell accept arbitration? Sure he says he wants to remain a member of the Phillies, but at 32 he’s looking for his last big contract. Taking a one year deal here in Philadelphia would only hinder that. Besides, the only way Burrell would accept arbitration is if he could not get a multi-year deal on the free agent market. That’s not going to happen. Once Manny & Mark Teixeira sign, Burrell will be the next prize bat available, and someone will give him the 4 years he’s looking for.

For the Phillies to give up two draft picks because they are afraid Burrell might accept arbitration is ridiculous. The only way Burrell will return to Philadelphia is if they give him a multi-year deal. We all know that’s not going to happen.

The other two arbitration eligible players are Tom Gordon and Rudy Seanez. There’s no shot either receives an offer. Gordon is still recovering from shoulder surgery, and although a “Type B” free agent, Seanez was left off the playoff roster. The Phillies don’t want him back (especially through arbitration), and he’s a guy who could accept.