It would be easy to believe the courting began in late October when Pat Burrell faced the Rays in the World Series.
Burrell liked the Rays’ hunger and the dramatic change the front office was able to bring to the organization.
Andrew Friedman liked Burrell’s power-bat and his ability to draw walks and grind out at-bats.
Had Burrell gotten more than one hit in the five games for the Phillies it would be easy to think Friedman left Philadelphia thinking he wanted the soon-to-be free agent left fielder in the middle of his lineup.
Fact is, Friedman had his eye on Burrell before the postseason began. And while the Rays’ vice president of baseball met with some of the bigger names in the this free agent market, he always had Burrell at the top of his list.
Friedman was able to close the deal Monday when Burrell agreed to a two-year contract worth $16 million.
“We feel Pat fits us extremely well,” Friedman said.
It was an expensive fit, though, one that will curtail the rest of Friedman’s offseason shopping.
“This signing is a major commitment of our resources, and it will hinder our flexibility going forward,” Friedman said.
Burrell is the most ambitious signing since owner Stuart Sternberg took over before the 2006 season, but Friedman said it was an easy sell.
“We’re a much-improved team today than we were at the end of last season,” Friedman said.
In Burrell, the Rays added a right-handed hitter to a lineup that struggled against left-handed pitching in 2008.
In Burrell, the Rays received a power-hitter who, despite bating .250 last season, hit 33 home runs and drove in 86 runs. He is also one of six big leaguers to hit at least 20 home runs in each of the past eight seasons — joining Carlos Delgado, Vladimir Guerrero, Chipper Jones, Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez.
In Burrell, the Rays received a 32-year-old player with nine years of big league experience who is expected to be another calming voice in what still is a young clubhouse.
And, in Burrell, the Rays signed a free agent who wanted to come to Tampa Bay rather than one who signed because the Rays were basically his only option.
“Going into free agency I wanted to go somewhere where I had a good chance to repeat (as World Series champions) or at the very least get into the playoffs,” Burrell said.
The Yankees’ offseason shopping spree has made them the favorites to win the American League East this season, but Monday’s move improved a lineup that was able to win the division last summer.
Burrell will serve as the Rays’ designated hitter. He should bat sixth or seventh, providing protection for Carl Crawford and give the Rays some pop at the bottom of the order.
“I’m here to help,” Burrell said.
Signing a player like Burrell wouldn’t have happened in recent years, but the fact he did sign — and sign on the first Monday in January while other teams still had an interest in him — speaks to how far the Rays have come.
Burrell wants to win.
“From what I understand, the players got a taste of that (last year), and are even hungrier to get back (to the postseason),” Burrell said.
The Rays entered the offseason searching for a right fielder, a power hitter and help for the bullpen.
They traded for right fielder Matt Joyce, signed relief pitcher Joe Nelson and signed Burrell. But signing Burrell has almost tapped the checking account.
“That doesn’t mean we can’t be creative,” Friedman said.
Joyce may not be ready to be an everyday right fielder, and Friedman said Monday that Gabe Gross, Fernando Perez and Justin Ruggiano are still in the mix. He did add that the Rays could be creative to fill needs by dealing from areas in which they have depth.
“We’re happy where we are,” Friedman said. “But we’re not content.”
E-Mail
Print
Quick Job Search
@Nyx.replyAnswerText@