Pat Burrell, the hard-hitting, ex-slugger of the defending world champion Philadelphia Phillies now has a new home: the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays and Burrell have agreed to a 2-year, $16-million deal. It is also reported that Burrell will donate a portion of his contract to the Rays’ Baseball Foundation which is the official charity of the Rays.
The 32-year old Burrell is likely to be the Rays’ designated hitter. Last year with the Phils, Burrell hit .250 with 33 home runs, 86 RBIs and 102 walks in 157 games.
Burrell had hoped to sign back with the Phillies this year but those dreams were shattered after they signed outfielder Raul Ibanez.