I've gotten a few e-mails already this morning about Pat Gillick's remarks yesterday concerning Pat Burrell. I think most Phillies fans out there are ready to jump off the Delaware Memorial Bridge (or maybe the Walt Whitman?) if Burrell is back in left field next season.Well, don't start working on your diving. Not yet, at least.
If you missed it, here's a transcript of what Gillick said. The question was, "Do you see Pat Burrell as your left fielder next season?"
"He’s certainly a strong possibility. You don’t find 29 home runs or 95 RBIs in the street. Even though offensively he didn’t produce the way he would like to or we would like him to, there’s a very strong possibility that Pat will be in left field."
OK, reading between the lines, here's what I think Gillick meant:
He's going to continue to aggressively shop Burrell. But, given Burrell's contract situation ($27 million over the next two seasons) and lack of production in the clutch (.222 average with runners in scoring position in 2006), moving him won't be easy.
Thus, Gillick's comments were made for two reasons:
a) To warn fans that Burrell may well be back in Philadelphia, so brace yourselves for more called third strikes and gimpy plays in left field.
b) To remind other teams that 29 homers and 95 RBIs are nothing to scoff at. In the right situation (somewhere other than Philly), Burrell may thrive.
Gillick is very savvy. Everything he says has a purpose. So, while there's a good chance Burrell's financial circumstances will keep him right where he is, Gillick is also trying to drum up more interest by singing Burrell's praises.
Stay tuned. This will only get more interesting.
8 comments:
How many players had a 29 - 95 season in 2006?
I think you are right Scott. By moving Thome last offseason and getting some decent parts in return, people think its going to be easy to move Burrell too. It's not. Jim Thome could win popularity contests around baseball, while Burrell...
Great question, Herby.
Just did the research and found 33 players, including Burrell, who had at least 29 homers and 95 RBIs in 2006. Here's the club:
Ryan Howard, David Ortiz, Albert Pujols, Alfonso Soriano, Lance Berkman, Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, Travis Hafner, Andruw Jones, Carlos Beltran, Frank Thomas, Carlos Delgado, Aramis Ramirez, Troy Glaus, Jason Giambi, Carlos Lee, Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez, Paul Konerko, Jason Bay, Nick Swisher, Richie Sexson, Justin Morneau, Matt Holliday, Raul Ibanez, Vladimir Guerrero, Mark Teixeira, Vernon Wells, Chase Utley, Torii Hunter, Garret Atkins, Jeff Francoeur, Pat Burrell.
And how many of those players are free agents?
thankyou scott for actually being a reporter who does some research...unlike some reporters that i should leave unmentioned.
Eric: Good question.
Of those 33 players who had 29/95 seasons, only Alfonso Soriano, Frank Thomas, Carlos Lee, Torii Hunter, and as of Monday night, Aramis Ramirez, are free agents. Gary Sheffield, who would be on that list if he hadn't been hurt for most of the season, had his $13 million option picked up by the Yankees. But, it appears the Yankees will try to trade him during the off-season.
Bet on the Phillies actively trying to get Soriano, Sheffield or Aramis. I don't believe they have any interest in Carlos Lee, and they have no use for Frank Thomas.
What about a utility guy with "some" power like Rich Aurelia or a Mark Derosa? Both showed they have a little left in the tank, and both can make contact. somewhat....
Hey Paul,
DeRosa is probably a better option than Aurilia. He's coming off a good year (.296, 13 homers, 74 RBIs), plus he'll only be 32 on Opening Day (Aurilia will be 35). Also, DeRosa is a Penn guy and grew up in Jersey. He may want to come home.
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