So, the word that I have been hearing on the street is that the Phillies do not plan on offering arbitration to Pat Burrell. To this, I say that the Phillies are absolute idiots. Now, to be fair, this is only a rumor, and come tomorrow we may well find that the Phils offered arbitration to Burrell. But, we may also wake up and discover that the Phillies gave a good kick in the balls to all of their fans who sold out game after game.
One of three things will happen if the Phils offer arbitration to the type A free agent Burrell, he will decline and sign with another team, accept arbitration and come back on a one year pact, or he may end up just signing a contract with the Phils. If he signs a contract with the Phillies, then the entire situation is moot. But, lets take a look at the other two scenarios, both of which would be a win in my mind.
If Burrell signs with another team, the Phils would recieve two picks, either a first or a second and a supplemental round pick. Ughhh, that is pretty darn nice. It would continue to give a rising farm system a nice boost, and we would have some free agent dough to spend on Burrell's replacement. I am sure the Phillies also see this as a winning situation.
However, Burrell could also accept the arbitration offer, which would apparently be a knife in the Phillies side. I do not understand why. Burrell would then come back on a one year deal, for a slight raise from the 14 million he earned last year. Now, is Burrell worth over 14 million a year in a long term contract? No. Is Burrell worth over 14 million a year on a one year deal immediately after winning the world series, where teams historically see a huge balloon in revenues? Ugh, yes. Let's not forget, that Burrell was a very good player last year, one that, with Utley, carried the team when Howard was flailing, Victorino was average, Rollins was injured, and Jenkins was still getting the majority of the playing time in right field. The only reason not to want Burrell back is because it would increase payroll. I am usually rather frugal, and defend the ownership group when it comes to payroll, but a one year increase in payroll should not be avoided when you are trying to defend the cities first championship in 25 years. I say shame on the Phils if they do not offer arbitration to Burrell, as they would essentially be deconstructing all of the good will and love that was built between this franchise and its knowledgable fans last year.
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