Tuesday: No deadsville in desert for Phillies' offense

The Baby Backs were no match for Jamie Moyer and the Phillies, who topped their highest run total of 2008 without hitting a single home run.

The concern coming into this series was finding ways to score against the tough Arizona pitching staff in a large park without relying on the long ball. Once again, the Phils, who climbed to 19-14, are finding new ways to surprise us. Story of the night: Unexpected contributions from the top and bottom of the lineup. Shane Victorino, Eric Bruntlett and Chase Utley combined to reach base nine times. Bruntlett knocked in three. The bottom – Geoff Jenkins, Pedro Feliz, Carlos Ruiz and Jamie Moyer – combined for 10 hits and four RBIs; Moyer had two hits, including an RBI double. The 45-year-old left-hander also worked seven strong, allowing two earned against the aggressive, young D-Backs.

Obviously, this was a nice way to start a road trip, and a good game for Ruiz, Feliz and Bruntlett to keep up appearances by raising their batting averages to more palatable levels.

Swindle promoted: It is with great pleasure to annouce that extreme junkball left-hander and Beerleaguer favorite R.J. Swindle has been promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after mastering yet another level of the minor leagues. In 16 2-3 innings, the left-handed reliever, who works from the very left edge of the rubber and clocks in the low-50s with his breaking ball, allowed just one run and one walk while striking out 16 for Double-A Reading. The Phillies are reportedly seeking another left-hander for the pen, so this promotion suggests the 24-year-old lefty might be in the mix. In four minor league seasons, he’s averaging almost a strikeout per inning with a K/BB ratio of 308/56. Beerleaguer is pulling for you, R.J.

News and notes: Top prospect Carlos Carrasco allowed a pair of singles and struck out seven in seven shutout innings yesterday as the R-Phils beat Binghamton 11-0. ... Jimmy Rollins went 4-4 in a rehab start. 

Comments

[EastFallowfield]

Just think how many runs we coulda scored were we able to hit pitchers first time we see 'em.

[Lake Fred]

They need to call up Swindle while Jamie Moyer is still here. Their pitches both run in the slow track, but guile and control seem to win the battle with the hitters. Last night's game was classic Jamie Moyer with his slow pitches winning against the 98 MPH fireballer. Swindle needs to work with the slow armed Zen Master. I'm sure that Condrey's slot in the BP will become available soon.

[Ribbies]

Wow, I'm not used to this much good news in one post.

[J. Weitzel]

Condrey doesn't do it for me. I would be in favor of auditioning just about anyone for the mop up spot. Blackley, Mazone, Fabio. All left-handed. Why not try to catch lightning in a bottle with that final spot?

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

I'm always surprised at the Phillies return to Condrey as a answer for any hole in the bullpen. There has to be some younger guy that could do a better job, there simply has to be one.

[Lake Fred]

I just glanced at the standings in the NL. The three teams with the top three NL records each reside at the top of the three divisions. That's the way it supposed to be. Let's keep winning!

Condrey must have goat pictures of Gillick to keep earning MLB money.

[ColonelTom]

Jason Michaels is going to be DFA'ed by Cleveland later today - the Phils ought to get him once he clears waivers and say "sayonara" to So-So Taguchi. This team's been struggling badly against lefties (.231/.311/.433) and could use a boost off the bench.

[Andy]

Parker:
Just wanted to note that the hazard of making ambiguous statements, in a slightly superstitious manner, is that they will be misinterpreted by the community. Note, for example, the reaction to your "pre-game predictions:"

I love the idiot on the front page who said Moyer should retire. Moyer got more hits than he thought the Phillies as a team would get in this game!

Posted by: typhoon | Tuesday, May 06, 2008 at 01:07 AM

I am willing, of course, to suffer the invective of other phans for the sake of a win (to "take one for the team" so to speak). Still, it is a sign ingenuity, not idiocy, to encourage the guys in an unorthodox manner. (Which means, typhoon, it is not nice to call someone an "idiot," especially since we're all on the same side here.) (Although, one could posit that anyone who follows this particular ball club could, indeed, be labeled, at least, an "idiot.")

In any event, I think I need to point out that, given the rest he's had lately, Johnson will probably mow the Phils down today like an industrial strength weed-wacker; those golden boys of the Snakes will, undoubtedly combine for about 27 hits, and the Phils will revert to the career norms they showed in April. Worthless, I say; trade'em all.

[J. Weitzel]

Besides the hitting, the other good news of the day is that Jamie Moyer, as predicted, is not someone you need to worry about.

[Sam]

To be fair, it's well publicized that Condrey had like 3 terrible outtings last season to blow his ERA that high. He was solid for the most part.

This season though, he's been less effective and has become less valuable because the rest of the pen has been good.

How nice would it be to have a guy named Swindle and a guy named Outman in the pen also?

[J. Weitzel]

I would pass on Michaels. Let someone else get him. He would upgrade nothing, and they committed $1M to Taguchi. I'd rather have Taguchi actually. He's going to help them this season. Just relax on Taguchi.

[AWH the RBP]

I don't understand all the Condrey hating.

Sure, he's a marginal talent, but a lot of bullpens in MLB have such pitchers they rotate in and out.

Here's what I don't understand about the hating:

Condrey had 5 outings last year where the Phillies were either way ahead or way behind, and he blew up.

MOP-UP DUTY.

During the rest of his outings his ERA was SUB 3.00

Say what you want about him, but the Phillies would not have won the division last season without his contribution. Period.

Would I rather have a young talent like Scherzer who was learning and could come in and blow guys away? Who wouldn't.

But show me how many of those guys exist and/or are available.

So if you wish for someone other than Clay Condrey, remember....be careful what you wish for, and make sure it's a definite upgrade.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Jody Mac just had Randy Miller on. The subject of re-upping Burrell came up. Randy said he talked to Amaro and he said they are going to "let things play out". Miller added there are "other" reason they may not want Burrell back and it's not just money. He did reference the Phils giving him $50mil or so and Burrell never does anything "extra" to help the organization, especially in the offseason. Just reporting what I heard, don't shoot the messenger...

[J. Weitzel]

And Amaro would be 100 percent correct. Burrell is never involved in the offseason. Never once can I remember Burrell attending a media function or charity event. Like it or not, that stuff is important to the Phils.

[Lake Fred]

Bed Beard, it looks like one of the Phillies big needs for next season will be a starting left fielder.

Condrey is 33 years old. The last spot in the pen should be used for a prospect. I Jamie Moyer years, Condrey may still be a prospect. When he was a Pad in 2002 & 2003, he was used both in relief and as an occasional starter. His 2003 numbers were horrible. He gets worse as he stays with a team. We need an "Out" man! Maybe we could "Swindle" a reliever from somewhere.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Miller also added, not that this is a surprise, that Burrell will be looking for a mulityear contract for around the same amount he's making now. I think the "maybe he'll take a 1 year extension to stay here" talk can be put to rest.

[J. Weitzel]

Thanks, Bed Beard.

[bay_area_phan]

Amaro is the quintessential ass-kissing Yes-man. You'd think with his Stanford education, he'd at least have the good sense not to make public statements which reveal ownership to be as completely uncommitted to winning as they really are.

[Bob]

Exatly, BAP. Amaro is saying outloud on the radio that even though a player is helping us win, we may let him go because he doesn't do PR for us.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Amaro didn't say it on the radio. He said it in conversation to a reporter.

[Jimmie J.]

Burrell average has been slowly eroding but a number of other guys have been picking him up...the way it should be. It's early but things are rounding nicely into shape. Tonight will be interesting.

[Reed]

Burrell stepping into the bucket a little as well.

Howard had a good approach last night.

[Andy]

Anyone else having problems with their BL? Mine is in a strange format that makes me page down to comment, then up to see anything else and has no lines between comments. It also doesn't allow me to comment and see the DivaVillage bikini babe while I'm reading comments. (Just trying to keep my priorities straight.)

[bay_area_phan]

I thought Arbuckle had established a new low for moronic statements when he acknowledged, a few weeks ago, that the Phillies did not like to break slot on draft picks because their highest priority was to do what was "good for baseball." But Ruben Amaro has topped Arbuckle's statement, with his admission that they won't resign Burrell because he doesn't attend team functions.

The Phillies' owners really know how to pick these guys. To be in Phillies' management, the first job requirement is that you have to be completely obsequious & willing to tow the company line at all times. The irony is that, on a team which cares about PR more than anything, you'd at least think that Monty would instruct his minions to keep their mouths shut & not make public statements which reveal how ownership truly operates.

[clout]

Scott Mathieson is considering having another surgery on his injured elbow.

Mathieson has been sidelined with discomfort in him arm as he attempts to recover from his first Tommy John surgery. Going under the knife a second time would wipe out most of his 2009 and could threaten his career.

[TK]

Andy, I had the same problem last night. some of the pictures weren't showing up either, and it took forever to load. I'm on Firefox now and it's fine, so I'm thinking it may be an I.E. thing.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Wouldn't this be Mathieson's 3rd surgery in 3 years?

[Andy]

Guess it's a good time to install Firefox, then.

Think I'll add my favorite charity to the URL as well, as long as I'm changing stuff.

[from the district]

yeah I've been having problems loading the page as well, takes forever and then loads in this strange format.

[MPN]

Bedrosian's Beard: Randy Miller is the captain of the "I hate Pat Burrell" fan club. I would not allow his aside inform anything. The guy always tries to stir up trouble. He's the poster child for reporter's trying to be a part of the story. Seriously, Columbia Journalism Review should do a case study on him for how not to be a journalist.

[clout]

MPN: You know anything about journalism?

[Andy]

ftd -
Switching to Firefox cured it.

[MPN]

clout (Gar?): I know many journalists, but I am not a journalist. From my rudimentary knowledge, however, the story a journalist (not a columnist mind you, which Randarino is not) reports is about who, what, when, where, and why. If you were an objective person and listened to Randy Miller on WIP, 950, or Daily News Live you could see that he is always trying to be a part of the story and not just report it as a third party.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

MPN: Fair enough, just reporting what I heard.

Although, I don't really see them giving PtB a multiyear deal at $14mil(or more a year), either.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Adding: I don't want to turn this into the Trial of Randy Miller, but i've heard him a few times on Jody Mac and he doesn't really sound like that kind of guy. Stephen A. Smith, definitely qualifies for that.

[MPN]

Bedrosian's Beard: Yes, that may in fact be the case. My problem is that Randy Miller just tries to package this in the worst light. If it is money, that's fine, but don't impugn the guy's character. Pat the Bat uses Don Henley's Dirty Laundry as his at bat music for a reason. Warts and all, for all the adversity that Pat has been through during the course of his current contract, I have to say that I have never heard him bad mouth the city or its fans. I think that is pretty classy.

[clout]

MPN: I don't know much about journalism but I do know that sports writers almost always express their opinions especially on TV and radio. That's what they do on Comcast DNL, WIP etc. From reading him on line and the comments over the past few years on this blog I'd say Miller has a pretty good rep. I just wondered if you had any particular insight.

[clout]

MPN: BTW, I agree with you 100% on Burrell.

[MPN]

Clout: Maybe your characterization of his comments are fair. I guess my issue is that if I see a repeated pattern of behavior by a journalist in another media outlet it makes me question their objectivity in reporting in their own media outlet. That may be unfair, but Miller has been in the center of a few DNL and WIP stories relating to Pat, Kenny Lofton, and others.

[CJ]

I happen to be a journalist (a TV news director), and I've become increasingly dismayed at the direction newspaper sports reporting is going. Many sportswriters are working harder to become the story... because in today's dying-newspaper market, sportswriters have to become personalities to make themselves marketable. Look at the guys (and gals) who populate ESPN's afternoon programming. They are loud mouth sportswriters. If they don't become personalities (and take sides) it makes it harder for them to supplement their income elsewhere.

[from the district]

unfortunately i do the majority of my beerleaging at work, and I can't download new programs on my work computer. . . probably because they know I would just watch mosaic all day. God bless soul crushing entry level work.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

ESPN is definitely all about ratings and pushing their "reporters". I used to love SportsCenter, but I think it's become unwatchable.

[Bob]

Sportscenter is definitely unwatchable. Do they really think I care about the NBA playoffs enough to do 10 minutes on it every day?

[Andy]

Also, as far as good news in the Phils' system, it's worth noting that Tyson Brummett and Drew Naylor continue to have very good peripherals, albeit at a very low (Lakewood) level. Brummett is listed as 6'0" and 150 lbs. If those numbers are correct, he might improve simply by adding some muscle.

[Dave X]

I can't believe you guys dont like YankeesCenter.

6'0 and 150 is very skinny. Official heights and weights are often off by a good amount. Maybe not so much in the low minors, though.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

I'm starting to feel good about their pharm system. They have a way to go still, but there's some optimism and direction there. I'd really be happy if they took advantage of this draft and pay over slot for more than a player or two and really stock up.

[Andy]

Bed's Beard:
Team Spin Doctor #1: "But we all know that wouldn't be good for MLB. Someone's gotta hold the line against all these rogue teams paying above slot. Someone just has to. Someone's gotta take a stand! And, by golly, it's gonna be us!"

I hate that we're probably gonna fritter away so many high draft picks this year.

[Lake Fred]

Living outside the Philly area, I'm forced to watched ESPN SportsCenter to get photos of the Phillies highlights. At least in the morning, they have a sidebar that gives the order of upcoming topics. That way if there is nothing of interest, I can flip the channel and watch other stuff while I dress and eat breakfast. I do notice the New York bias.

[AWH the RBP]

LF, NY is the biggest media market, that's why the bias. Being MOTO, it's about ad dollars.

Andy, the shame of it is that some teams have learned it's far less expensive long-term to "overpay" in the draft than to overpay in the FA market.

Too bad the Phillies have blinders on when it comes to this issue.

Phillies ownership/management is Bud Selig's Gungha Din.

[clout]

Andy: Naylor we've talked about before, he's a longshot but has potential. Brummett is not even listed on BA's Top 30 Phillies prospects list. His problem is that he turns 24 in August which is very old for the Sally league. If the Phils think he's a real prospect he will have to be tested at Reading before season's end. Although he's got good command his stuff is just average.

He was drafted in the 7th round so his chances of making it are.....remote.

[clout]

This is for those who declared Benson would be a key to the season:

Kris Benson (groin) is playing long toss, but he's not ready to throw off a mound.

Benson was pulled from a start on April 26 after complaining of soreness in his groin. There's no timetable for his return.

[MG]

Condrey isn't a horrible bullpen arm. He is exactly the type of guy who stash at T-AAA though in case of an injury or two to your pen.

Since Cholly realizes to use him though, it just makes more sense right now for this team to have another lefty in the pen. Problem is that Kline looks like he is cooked (which is fine because there was nothing gained and nothing lost) and I don't know if any other lefty in the minors is a viable candidate at this point.

I guess Condrey sticks by default until unless Swindle pitches lights-out at Allentown or the Phils want to take a bit of chance on calling up Castro/Outman from Reading if they pitch well in another month (which I think would be a mistake at this point because Cholly would never use them and they need to pitch on a regular basis of the pen in Reading).

[MG]

Signing Michaels makes zero sense. If the Phils are going to actually spend some more money on a veteran player, it should be a veteran reliever if he gets released. Stash him at Allentown and see if he has anything left.

[MG]

Burrell has been a great story so far this season but he is crazy if he thinks he is going to get another 5 yr/$50M deal like Rowand did. While I can see an NL team offering him decent cash, it would only be for 3 yrs max and that 3rd year might be pushing it.

I could easily see Burrell ending up in the AL as a Huff-type player (primarily DH but plays some 1B and LF) and signing a 3 or 4 yr deal this offseason.

Amaro actually does have a point about Burrell not appearing at offseason media functions but to use that has a primarily reason not to sign him is really thin. Burrell didn't pull a Schilling and question the organizations's commitment to winning or criticize management at any point.

We know that it comes down to cash with the Phils. All the other stuff is a distant secondary.

[Hugh Mulcahy]

I can't see a scenario where Burrell stays in Philly unless he suddenly decides "it's not about the money." Ain't going to happen. Like it or not, he's primed for a spot on an AL roster and the Phils need to be zeroing in on a right handed slugger to replace him. As for Benson, he's been a loser everywhere he's gone. He'll always be a loser. A gutless all-talent, no production prima donna. I hope he makes me eat my words, but I wouldn't bet on him being a winner in Philly if you gave me 20-1 odds.

[p. Red]

I agree SportsCenter is getting to be unwatchable. I find Baseball Tonight still enjoyable though. They also show a little more highlights than the basic SportsCenter highlight package. If I just want the basic highlights though, then I flip to ESPNews.

[joe l]

I wouldn't mind clubs paying over slot if it was period, ideally almost out of phase with free-agent spending. For example, if a club dropped towards the median payroll for a few years while overpaying in the draft.. then a few years later, focus on adding FA to fill in the pieces and throttle back on the draft. But for the big market/spending teams, there's not enough incentive to stay at slot. What's another 1-2% of overall payroll to them? The math just doesn't add up and it will soon all fall apart.

[bay_area_phan]

I always liked Jason Michaels as a 4th outfielder, but it's difficult to see what he would add that Taguchi doesn't already bring us. Besides, if one of our outfielders were to get injured, we already have Snelling (if he gets healthy), plus a few other 4th/5th outfielder types in our minors.

[joe l]

(first "period" = "periodic")

[AWH the RBP]

MG, before YOU so omniciently decide right now what kind of contract Burrell might be offered this offseason, allow me to point out a couple of just NL vacancies (never mind the AL) that will occur in LF after the season is over:

New York:(currently occupied by an injury prone 40+ yr old who can't stay on the field, and who can't run very well when he's on it) Hmmm...taking the only RH power threat from your chief division rival (who, BTW, kills your own pitching) qualifies as delicious double dipping.

Cincinnati: all indications are that Dunn is done in Cincy. They want more consistency, and despite his streaks, the last three seasons have been consistent for PB.

LA and SD: The big parks would magnify Burrell's defensive limitations, but seriously... do you really think Burrell wouldn't be an overall upgrade from Juan Pierre and Scott Hairston?

Atlanta: Naaahh. Burrell definitely wouldn't be an upgrade from Matt Diaz.

Did you think Rowand was going to get the size contract he received? How about Andrew "I can't hit anymore" Jones?

There are a lot of guys getting overpaid in MLB, so don't bet that Burrell won't get a sizeable contract.

He's a MLB top 15% run producer. They don't grow on trees.

[Mark]

On MiLB.com, Tyson Brummett has been listed on the Clearwater rsoter for the past couple of days.

[Mark]

On MiLB.com, Tyson Brummett has been listed on the clearwater roster for the past couple of days.

[king myno]

AWH: There's no way Burrell ends up in Shea Stadium 2 (whatever it'll be called). If Wagner is willing to speak out unnecessarily against Oliver Perez, he'd probably threaten to kill Minaya if he brings his arch-rival to town.

[GM-Carson]

During the telecast last night Tom McCarthy started talking about Pedro Feliz having 4 straight seasons of 20 or more homeruns, and then remarked that he only has 4 on the year and said "You'd have to expect him to go on a tear soon then", and Chris Wheeler agreed with him. What tear? He's on a pace to hit exactly 20 homeruns. Sometimes announcers don't make any sense.

*By the way, I am all for giving this Swindle guy a shot in the Phils bullpen if he does well for about 2 weeks for the Lil' Piggies. Condrey ain't cutting it and never really will.

[Lake Fred]

AWH, you are right, PtB will be highly coveted and overpaid in the FA market by both leagues.

On my ESPN New York bias comment, I always felt that NY got favorable treatment more because ESPN being in Bristol, Conn. is really more like a far suburb of NYC. They are less than 30 miles from the NY state line. Expecting ESPN to give a fair shake for the Phillies or the New Orleans Hornets is like expecting CNN or NBC to give Hillary or the Republicans a fair shake!

[AWH the RBP]

Your Majesty: Burrell has more good years left than Wagner, who has said he plans to retire after 2009 anyway. IMO, Minaya tells Wagner to 'shut up' for a year.

Besides, Wagner could be traded on a "one year rental" basis to another 'contending' team, and the steMs could use the Alou and Wagner money to sign BOTH Burrell and Lidge.

I wouldn't bet against that happening. The steMs get better, and seriously weaken the Phillies in the process.

I've posted this before: If Burrell is not extended, the window may close.

Who replaces his production?

[Lake Fred]

Carson, I like the "Lil' Piggies" nickname. I hate the name "Iron Pigs"!! I'll use it from now on.

[The Truth Injection]

There is a rumor the Indians might DFA Andy Marte and hope he clears waivers. I would try to snap him up and throw him in Lehigh Valley to get some action.

[AWH the RBP]

Lake Fred, your analysis of ESPN's proximity to NY probably has some merit as well.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

IMO, if Burrell's given a contract of 3 or more years, it'll be in the AL or LAD or maybe SF, b/c like my ex-gf, they like guys in their 30's.

[J. Weitzel]

J-Mike was officially DFA. I'd describe his tenure here as underrated in general but overrated on Beerleaguer, where people fell in love with his high OBP when he was platooning with Lofton. I never expected him to work out as an everyday player in Cleveland, and he didn't.

[from the district]

i could definately see the mets and the pads making a run at burrell, but LA and Cincy don't really make much sense.

Dunn and Burrell are pretty much the same player, except Dunn is younger . . . why would they want Burrell and not Dunn?

LA already has too many outfielders, and a huge contract sitting on the bench in Pierre

[MG]

AWH - I do think Burrell is going to get a nice pay day. Bats like Burrell's don't grow on trees but he was arguably the worst LF in the NL last year and a complete liability on the basebaths. He was been better in LF this year but he is still pretty limited out there.

I would be stunned if an NL team is going to offer Burrell more than 3 yrs though because you can't hide him at the DH position in the last year or two of his deal.

DH position was championed by the players' association just for players like Burrell - productive sluggers who are entering there mid-30s and really can't play the field because of severe defensive limitations/health issues.

[Andy]

clout - I'm not going to disagree. Brummett was a seven and he's old. But he's old because he went to college. This is his first full year of pro-ball. I also wonder about that weight thing. He may be more projectible because he needs to fill out. A lot. If they have moved him up to Clearwater, he might be progressing in the eyes of the scouts closer to him.

But yeah. It is pretty close to grasping at straws.

[clout]

Quick now, do you remember who the Phillies traded Michaels for? Hint: It was a terrible trade. Yes, I know that's not much of a hint.

[Reed]

their golden boy Julian Sampson has been getting roughed up.

[Reed]

Rhodes

[Reed]

Artie Rhodes

[king myno]

clout: Who is Arthur Rhodes?

[king myno]

And thanks for reminding me about that awful trade. Not that J-Mike was a world-beater, but I'm pretty sure that Rhodes blew almost as many games as he kept alive that next season, mostly ending his career in the major leagues.

[MG]

SD? If there is one thing that Towers hasn't done as a GM during his tenure in SD, it is to go after aging bats on the free agent market.

I do think Burrell is going to go where he gets the most money and that means it will be where he gets the most guaranteed years. Just like Rowand. This stuff about enjoying Philly and playing here will take a back seat to who ever offers him the biggest pay check. It does with 95% of athletes.

Can't blame them I guess but it is hard not to say that it is not utter greed though when a player has already made tens of millions of dollars.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Arthur Rhodes is about what he's worth. Maybe Rhodes of a few years previous, but Michaels, as JW said, always had more Beerleaguer value, than reality.

[SamDracula]

Lake Fred, why would you prefer a prospect as the 11th or 12th pitcher when that pitcher could sit for 2 weeks without getting into a game. I'd rather have my prospects pitching every 5th day or out of the pen on a regular basis. Condrey is fine in his role.

[Andy]

Burrell would be wise to head to the AL where DH is always an option. And if Manny leaves the Bosox, PtB has the right defensive skill set to play LF in Boston.

[Mr. Mack]

Here is my feeling about the PtB story: It will be a cold day in hell when the Phillies FO pays anyone what the market is bearing, especially for a player that isn't what they consider a Public Relations cash cow. It is sickening to me when an ownership places more stock in a player's PR value as to what he brings to the game itself. I do gotta give them an A for either balls or stupidity though when it comes to saying such outloud.

Gee, I guess if this ownership had Lefty during his long and silent period, they would figure he was not a good enough off season PR guy either, and then explain to us how he wasn't a true team player. It's a wonder more players don't speak up against this crap they feed us on a daily basis. I must admit, I happen to hate Amarro, Giles and Montgomery, all with equal enthusiasm.

[mike cunningham]

I'm not sure what "PR cash cow" means... but my guess is that you are using that term incorrectly in relation to Pat.

secondly, I would gather that we really don't know what "off season media" events that Pat doesn't participate that probably 15 other guys on teh roster don't go to as well...

A lot of the "PR" type work that DOES happen is related to the charity work that the Phillies wives do. Now that Burrell is married... it's possible that his wife may get involved in that kind of work?

But I have seen Pat model clothes for the Phillies catalog. He's appeared in Phillies calendars. His merchandise still sells (especially with the ladies).

But if he doesn't go to a Phillies CARAVAN? or a Sports Writers banquet? Is it that big of deal?

If he doesn't participate in a charity like Rollins with RBI? is that Burrell's fault or because he hasn't been approached?

since we don't have the full quote first hand from miller we're really interpreting nothing.

At the end of the day... it won't be a Media Relations or PR relations that will determine Burrell's signing. Look at Rowand, that guy was both media and fan friendly. Both groups advocating his return. The Phillies didn't feel he was worth what the Market was suggesting he was worth. And that's it.