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02/04/2003 Archived Entry: "Today's MLB News: Phils Sign Burrell"
Today's MLB News by Eric Gartman
Phils Sign Burrell: Left fielder Pat Burrell and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed on a $50 million, six-year contract, in the latest big move by the team this offseason.
The years of futility in Philly are coming to an end. After posting losing records in 14 of the past 16 seasons, the Phillies have built for the future, signing free agents Jim Thome and David Bell, trading for Kevin Millwood, and giving extensions not only to Burrell, but also to Bobby Abreu. The goal is to build a winner for the Phillies first season in their new ballpark in 2004. The 2003 team shouldn't be to bad either. Its pitching staff may be a little too young, especially Vicente Padilla and Brandon Duckworth, for them to win the East. But if they keep developing, the new-look Phils should be contenders in the East for several years. Driving this resurgence are several factors. One is the saaviness of General Manager Ed Wade, whose deals have worked in the past, most notably the signing of free agent Jose Mesa, whose career was thought to be over. Second, are the new economics in Philly. Saddled with an unfavorable contract with the Vet, ownership expect a big boost in revenue when they open the new stadium. They have wisely chosen to spend money beforehand, in order to get a winner on the field by the time the stadium opens, ensuring large crowds. All this adds up to a bright future in the City of Brotherly Love.
