We’ve all heard the phrase “If you can’t beat em, join em”. Well, a more appropriate phrase here would be “If you CAN beat em, join em”.
The Tampa Bay Rays have made their first major off-season move, signing former Philadelphia Phillies OF Pat Burrell to a 2-year deal worth $16 Million. The veteran slugger helped the Phillies defeat the Rays in the 2008 World Series, and now will be joining Tampa. This move gives the Rays one of the best outfields in baseball, with B.J. Upton, Carl Crawford, and now Burrell. Burrell hit .250 with 33 HR and 86 RBI in ’08, and will most likely be the Rays’ new DH. Burrell is 32 years old coming into his 10th MLB season, and his first while not in a Philadelphia uniform.
GREAT move by the Rays. This is the bat they need to help contend with their great pitching. I didn’t like the idea of Giambi as much but I think this works and is a good deal. If he struggles this season and next they can always deal him at the deadline because of his short contract.