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Burrell closing in on his return

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 11, 2009

ST. PETERSBURG - DH Pat Burrell is finally healthy. His timing is another matter.

The Rays' top offseason acquisition, out since May 11 with a neck strain, went 1-for-9 with four strikeouts and a walk in a minor-league rehab assignment at Double-A Montgomery on Monday and Tuesday.

He took early batting practice Wednesday at Tropicana Field and will play for Single-A Charlotte today. If that goes well, he could return this weekend, Manager Joe Maddon said.

Burrell said he no longer has any limitations with his neck, noting he can finally turn his head to check traffic while driving. The problem flared up in late April during a series at Minnesota but has bothered him at various times during his career.

"I've got to get some baseball skills back," Burrell said. "Being out five weeks, there's a part of it you've got to get back, and then, I think some of the things with the neck bothering me is bad habits that were developed."

After averaging 31 home runs and 99 RBIs from 2004-2008 with the Phillies, Burrell is batting .250 with one home run and 17 RBIs in 30 games.

He said he won't use the neck injury as an excuse for his subpar numbers but allowed he's "a lot more eager to get out there feeling good."

J.B., Kazmir updates

SS Jason Bartlett (left ankle sprain) took batting practice and briefly ran the bases Wednesday and remained on target to return next week. Maddon said he will do a minor-league rehab assignment this weekend with Single-A Charlotte.

LHP Scott Kazmir (right quad strain) will pitch a simulated game Friday at Tropicana Field in preparation for a minor-league rehab assignment.

Maddon said his standard answer to tough personnel queries - that "baseball has a way of answering its own questions" - applies to the question of what the club will do when Kazmir is ready to rejoin the rotation.

All about the upside

The Rays went for reward over risk with their top pick in the second round of the draft, taking Troup County (Ga.) High C Luke Bailey in the fourth round (139th pick).

Their 27 other selections Wednesday included 17 pitchers, including University of Tampa right-hander Alexander Koronis in the 11th round.

Bailey, who has signed with Auburn, entered his senior season ranked the No. 7 high school prospect by Baseball America. But his stock fell when he underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in May.

The Rays' top pick, Gainesville High OF LeVon Washington, had shoulder surgery to repair what was described as a minor labrum tear.

"We do a tremendous amount of due diligence on the medical side, and we also feel like we have a very talented medical staff and that we're in a good position to get them back healthy," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said.

Koronis transferred to UT for his junior season from the University of Miami after winning a state title at Miami Monsignor Pace High.

"We're adding another good arm to the system," Rays scouting director R.J. Harrison said. "And it's nice to get a local guy, too."

Also notable

Friday's rainout against the Yankees in New York will be made up on Labor Day (Sept. 7) as part of a day-night doubleheader, the clubs announced. ... 3B Evan Longoria sent a private note to Angels RHP and "good buddy" Jered Weaver on Wednesday, presumably with some sort of prediction about their next meeting. Weaver beat the Rays 4-3 on Tuesday night.

Tony Fabrizio

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