Over the next couple of weeks, we will be having a look at some of the contracts the Rays have on their roster right now. We will start off with one of the worst contracts in franchise history, Pat Burrell’s 2 year contract for $16 million. At the time this signing happened last year, the media world considered this deal a steal. Not so much now. This deal is now just taking up space in the Rays always tight payroll.
Burrell is due to make $9 million next year in the final year of his deal. If Pat the Bat doesn’t want to be forced out of baseball, he will have to produce this year. If the Rays can get a deal for Burrell, the Rays need to take it in a heart beat. Let Willy Aybar DH. I thought he is the better hitter in the first place, before they signed anyone. Hopefully we only saw a one year slump and he will be great next year. We can make all the excuses we want for Pat Burrell’s season long slump, but he looked terrible all year. He looked late and he looked like he was just waving at the ball all year.
I think it is safe to say that the Rays will not pursue Burrell after the 2010 season.
Contract details from: Cot’s Baseball Contracts
Tomorrow we will have a look at Carlos Pena’s contract.
