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Burrell signs with Rays, ends era in Philly
By Jonathan Atwood on January 6th, 2009 12:52 PM |
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The Pat Burrell era in Philadelphia officially ended Monday, as it is being reported that he is close to a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, reportedly worth $16 million.
While Burrell is certainly not as big a signing as CC Sabathia or Mark Teixeira, he has been one of the league’s best power hitters over the past decade. Over his nine years in the majors, all with the Phillies, Burrell has averaged 29 homeruns, 92 RBIs, 73 runs scored and 87 walks.
“At the end of last year, obviously, I got a chance to know the team pretty well,” Burrell said at a news conference in St. Petersburg, Fla. “I think this team is going to be competitive for a long time. As a little bit older player . . . I’m here to help.”
Yes, his career average is just .257 and he goes through mind numbing 
slumps at times, but Burrell is the kind of player any major league manager would love to have on his roster.
Even though Burrell’s departure from the Phillies has been a foregone conclusion ever since they signed Raul Ibanez to play left field, the official end of his tenure here is a bittersweet moment for many fans.
The lasting image of us will have of Pat is his final at bat, a rally-igniting double in the seventh inning of Game 5 of the World Series against those same Rays, as well as Burrell (and his bulldog Elvis) acting as Grand Marshall during the team’s victory parade down Broad Street.
The parade was seen as Burrell’s final act and it was obvious that he truly appreciated his time with the Phillies and with the Philadelphia fans.
Many have questioned the signing, from Burrell’s perspective. His new contract averages out to just $8 million a year, but he made $14 million last year with the Phillies.
“As we all know, the market isn’t what it was when we came into the off-season,” said Ed Hayes, one of Burrell’s agents. “It’s a good contract in today’s market. And more importantly, it provides Pat with an opportunity to win again. That’s what he was most interested in.”
Not only is Burrell going to one of the most talented teams in the majors, he also maintains a residence in the Tampa Bay area.
Burrell will face off against his old teammates in two Spring Training games, and then again on June 23-25 in Tampa.
