Pat Burrell will be playing at Citizen's Bank Park in 2009. A Ray will have a 2008 World Series Ring.Burrell signed a 2 year, $16 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Phillies will scrimmage the Rays during the On Deck Series prior to Opening Day. The World Series Ring ceremony isn't until April 8th, but maybe the Phils can have a mini ceremony for Pat a little early.
Burrell's contract was much less than I expected. Less money, less years. Raul Ibanez, who is the better option for left field, will have a larger contract than Burrell.
"First of all, at the end of last year, obviously, I got to know the [Rays]
pretty well," Burrell said. "And coming into free agency, the thing that was
most important to me was to go somewhere where I thought I had as good a chance
or better to repeat and go back to the World Series."
Burrell will be a good fit for the Rays, adding the bat they need. Burrell will get on base and hit 25+ HR, plus get on base. Moving him to the middle of the other, and moving the speedy guys up in the lineup will produce more runs for the Rays. Burrell will DH, so you don't have to worry about taking him out as a defensive replacement.
The Phillies did not offer Burrell arbitration, therefore will not receive a draft pick.
In other news, the Chicago Cubs signed outfielder Milton Bradley. Bradley and the Cubs agreed to a 3 year, $30 million deal.
In 126 games last season, Bradley hit .321 with 22 HR. He also led the American League in OBP, .436. Bradley had a .999 OPS.
QUOTE AND PHOTO SOURCE: MLB.com
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