On Monday, the Phillies signed Pat Burrell to six-year, $50 million US contract extension as they bid for only their third winning season in 17 years.
Burrell, 26, earned $1.275 million US in 2002.
"I'm glad to be a part of the big puzzle they put together this off-season," Burrell said.
Pat Burrell set career highs in all offensive categories in 2002.(AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)
Philadelphia's other big-ticket, off-season signees included Jim Thome (six years, $85 million US), Randy Wolf (four years, $22.5 million US), David Bell (four years, $17 million US) and Kevin Millwood (one year, $9.9 million US).
And that was after Bobby Abreu re-signed for $64 million US over five years last February.
"That was the first move we made toward keeping this group together," Phillies general manager Ed Wade explained. "We plan to make the same types of commitments to the players who we want to be a big part of our team now, when we get to the new ballpark (2004) and beyond."
"All the pieces are in place," Burrell added. "Now it's up to us.
"We've got to be the team to beat."
Burrell is coming off the best offfensive season by a Phillie since 1986.
The Eureka Springs, Ariz., native batted .282 with 37 home runs, 116 runs batted in and 96 runs scored in 157 games -- all career highs.
Sixteen years prior, Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt clubbed 37 homers with 119 RBIs.
"This city has taken me in and been really good to me," Burrell said. "I think the organization has treated me better than I ever could have imagined."
"Sometimes a player recognizes that a lot of right things are going on and they want to be a part of it," Wade figured.
Burrell is a career hitter with 82 homers, 284 RBIs, 223 runs scored in 423 games over three MLB seasons since being drafted first overall by Philadelphia in 1998.
"Our goal is to draft, sign and develop championship-calibre players, bring them to the big leagues and then retain them for the long term," Wade explained. "I cannot think of a single player who better exemplifies that plan and commitment than Pat Burrell.
"Though he has already become a bright light for us, Pat's brightest days as a Phillie are ahead of him."
with files from Sports Network
