by Jason Straziuso
Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA ? Left fielder Pat Burrell and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed on a $50 million, six-year contract, in the latest big move by the team this offseason.
Coming off a 14th losing season in 16 years, the Phillies have been one of the most aggressive teams, signing first baseman Jim Thome and third baseman David Bell and trading for pitcher Kevin Millwood.
The Phillies, hesitant to spend money in the past, have committed nearly $162 million to the four players as they try to build a championship team when they move into a new ballpark in 2004.
?I?m glad to be a part of the big puzzle they put together this offseason,? Burrell said Monday.
Burrell, 26, hit .282 with 37 homers and 116 RBIs last year ? the best offensive performance on the Phillies since Mike Schmidt had 37 homers and 119 RBIs in 1986.
Burrell also struck out 153 times.
He is coming off an $8 million, five-year contract that paid him $1,275,000 last year.
