The Rays have signed Pat Burrell to a two-year, $16 M contract. Burrell was one name bandied about as a possible Giant this winter, more than anything because he's from the Bay Area. He would have been a terrible fit with S.F. Remember, this was a guy who was replaced for late-inning defense in the World Series, even when games were fairly close and his potent bat might still have been necessary. That's how bad his glove is.
The contract is a huge pay cut for Burrell, who made $27 M the last two years. ESPN's Rob Neyer says, "I believe we're seeing more proper valuations this winter than we've seen at any point in the past 30 years."
Jason Giambi is also on the verge of signing with Oakland, according to reports, no doubt for less than the $21 M he earned last year. Who's next?
