Tampa Bay’s signing of Pat Burrell to a 2-year 16 million contract, is against everything that the Rays stand for. Building from within, and via trade was what worked for them last year but you have to show that they are still trying to improve.
Now that they have made a little extra money through playoff revenue, the money burns a hole in their pockets. Maybe it is a situation of this is the first time that the Rays can attract big name free agents into their market. I guess that this is a way that the Rays can demonstrate to their fan base that all the money that you put into the club last year will go back into the club. But it seems out of place for the Rays and their mantra. Maddon has said, “If (players are) around 30 and take good care of themselves they might be productive for five or six years. What’s wrong with that?” Burrell 32, I guess into that category.
Burrell is a great right-handed bat that has been consistent over his 9 year career, but became expendable after the Phillies signed Raul Ibanez to a 3 year 31.5 million dollar contract. He will likely be used in a DH role as injury plagued Cliff Floyd was just not as dependable as the Rays had hoped.
Will this be the signing that sets the dominoes in motion for signings to start coming fast and furious for the 30 some odd free agent outfielders.
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