FRIDAY: Paul Hagen of the Philadelphia Inquirer says Burrell "reportedly turned down a two-year, $22MM offer" from the Phillies.
THURSDAY: Phillies left fielder Pat Burrell gave a few comments to Bob Ford of the Philadelphia Inquirer last night. He suggested his future is in the Phillies’ hands, not his. I’m not sure what that means, since it’s really up to both parties. Chances are the Phillies will stick to a two-year offer and Burrell will leave. He earned $14MM in 2008.
Burrell, 32, hit .250/.367/.507 in 645 plate appearances this year. He hit 33 home runs and drew 102 walks. Burrell trailed off, hitting .191/.295/.365 over the season’s final two months. He was a liability in left field, costing the Phillies 20 bases compared to the average left fielder.
Burrell has his flaws, but he is one of the top OBP/power sources on the free agent market. Any ideas on potential suitors? The Angels, Royals, Blue Jays, A’s, Rays, Braves, Mets, Reds, and Giants could be involved depending on the price.
