It Is Time for the Philadelphia Phillies To Let Pat Burrell Move On

Pat Burrell has had many ups and downs during his Phillies career.  The top draft pick overall in 1998 has reached free agency for the first time. Though it is likely the Phillies will offer Pat Burrell arbitration tomorrow, it is time that the Phillies let Pat Burrell move on. Burrell made his major league debut in 2000 to play first base upon an injury to slick fielding Rico Brogna. A third baseman in his college years, Burrell first played first base in the Phillies' farm system, ironically moving to left field in AA because Brogna blocked the way.  However, in 2000, the Phillies acquired first base defensive whiz Travis Lee, let Brogna go to the Red Sox on waivers, and traded Ron Gant to the Angels. Lee played left field for the Phillies for 10 games, and then Lee and Burrell switched positions. Since then, Burrell has played 1185 games in left field. It is Burrell's defense that is one major reason that it is time for Burrell to go. In the Phillies' World Championship 2008 ... (link)