I thought if the Rays were going to sign anyone it would be Griffey, but Burrell works too. As noted, he should be a DH and that's obviously a little easier to do in Tampa than where he previously played. He didn't get nearly what he was hoping to sign for.
I wanted they Rays to get Milton Bradley because I think Bradley skills are still on the upswing. But we couldnt commit 3 years 30 million to him so he signed with the Cubs. Burrell will be a good DH but i think could have gotten him a little cheaper than 8 million a year. Giambi signed for 3.5 million with a 5 million option for 2010, I would have much perfered Giambi at that price than Burrell at 8 million a year. Giambi .247 32 HRs 96 RBIs Burrell .250 33 HRs 86 RBIs I think Giambi will have a better year and I think Giambi faced harder pitching in the AL east than Burrell did in the NL East. I just cant justify spending that much more for a player when Giambi with a similar production and making 4.5 million less than the Rays are giving burrell
Burrell > Bradley overall. Bradley has a hard time playing a full season. While Burrell did cost more, I think Giambi offered the A's a discount to come home. There is no way he would had signed for that little elsewhere. Though at that price every team should had made an offer. I think w/ the base of Yankee fans in Tampa, would had been nice to get Giambi too. -Petey
