J.D. who?
Unlike last year, Phils come to terms with No. 1 pick
Posted: Friday July 24, 1998 07:23 PM
| |
Pat Burrell agreed Friday on a five-year contract worth a guaranteed $8 million AP |
NEW YORK (AP) -- The Philadelphia
Phillies, determined to avoid a repeat of the J.D. Drew stalemate, and
overall No. 1 draft pick Pat Burrell agreed Friday on a five-year contract
worth a guaranteed $8 million.
The deal includes a record $3.15 million signing bonus and could be
worth up to $16.25 million through the 2004 season if the infielder meets
certain standards.
"It's a weight off our shoulders," Phillies general manager Ed Wade
said. "Coming to terms with Pat certainly is a huge step for us."
Burrell was the top pick in the June draft after hitting .442 with 61
home runs in three years at the University of Miami. A third baseman in
college, he will move to first base when he begins his pro career Monday at
Class A Clearwater.
"I'm very excited to get my pro career under way," Burrell said. "The
most important thing is that I'm going to be playing this summer. I need
time to get adjusted and by signing that will give me the chance."
The Phillies will shift Burrell's position because they have 1997
National League rookie of the year Scott Rolen
playing third base. Burrell will work out at Veterans Stadium with the
Phillies on Sunday before heading to the minors.
In what already has been a surprising and pleasant season on the field
for the Phillies, they wanted to take care of their off-the-field
business.
Last year, Philadelphia could not sign Drew after selecting him in the
first round with the No. 2 pick. Drew and his agent, Scott Boras, wanted at
least $10 million -- about $6 million more than the Phillies offered. While
negotiations went nowhere, Drew played in the independent Northern
League.
Drew was placed back in this year's draft and was taken as the fifth
pick by St. Louis. The former Florida State outfielder got a $3 million
signing bonus from the Cardinals and a guaranteed $7 million contract that
could be worth up to $8.5 million.
Drew joined Class AA Arkansas on July 4 and played well for three
weeks before going on the disabled list because of a twisted right
knee.
"Pat and I made it clear to the Phillies that we wanted to move toward
a deal as quickly as possible," said Burrell's lawyer, Jeff Moorad. "We all
agreed up front that we would do that."
Burrell's signing bonus is the largest for a drafted player who signed
with the team that took him. A few years ago, a couple of players taken in
the draft used loopholes to become free agents and got at least $10
million.
Along with his $3.1 million bonus, Burrell will get salaries of
$750,000 in both 1998 and 1999. The contract calls for $800,000 in 2000,
$1,275,000 in 2001 and $1,275,000 in 2002.
If Burrell is eligible for salary arbitration in 2002, however, he can
void his guaranteed money and go through the arbitration process.
Also, Burrell's contract includes an option for him to add either one
or two years -- provided he wins the rookie of the year award, makes the
All-Star team, finishes in the top eight of the MVP voting or is the top
hitter at his position.
Should he reach any of those goals, he can add one extra year at $2.75
million and, if he chooses, an additional second year at $5.5 million.
Burrell could also void the 2002 season on his contract and put those
higher salaries into effect. "We're anxious to get Pat on the field
and get him going," Phillies scouting director Mike Arbuckle said. "Pat's
signing is another step for us in the right direction."
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
| 
