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By Tim Dierkes [May 12, 2008 at 8:41am CST]
According to Todd Zolecki of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Phillies GM Pat Gillick is open to breaking from his own policy and negotiating in-season with the team's impending free agents. Gillick's lame-duck status may necessitate it. I never liked the "no in-season negotiation" idea. Even with the possible distraction, you can't deny the huge cost savings compared to negotiating after the season.
The two Phillies everyone's wondering about are left fielder Pat Burrell and closer Brad Lidge. Burrell, 31, has cooled off a bit after a monstrous April. He still has a 1.042 OPS. He'd probably require four years and close to $60MM, and I don't see the Phillies doing it. Lidge is a more likely possibility; the 31 year-old is unscored upon in 17 innings. Fine acquisition by Gillick, even with Geoff Geary pitching well for Houston.
I wouldn't mind the yankees taking a stab @ Burell, Bobby worked out well for us!! I'm really waiting for CC and Big Tex in the Bronx next season!!!
Posted by: Yanks4Life | May 12, 2008 at 10:03 AM
I think both end up walking. If Lidge's year continues his market value could go back up around to what Cordero got.
Burrell will probably get what is speculated in the writeup, but I have a hard time seeing the Phils being willing to do that for a 32 year old guy
Posted by: wayne gomes | May 12, 2008 at 10:46 AM