Burrell starting the spring off right

One of the hottest topics of debate for the Phillies this off-season has been Pat Burrell. Can he provide protection for Ryan Howard? Can he cut down on the strikeouts? It's still early in spring training but so far there is reason to be optimistic.

Pat the Bat carried a red-hot stick with him to Clearwater. In his past four games (including the exhibition opener against Florida St.) Burrell has gone 5/8 with 2 double and 2 walks. Experienced Phillies Phans recognize that for Pat, 5/8 hot streaks are par for the course.

Despite that history, Burrell looks like a new man so far this spring training. Last season when he would take a pitch Pat would tense up anticipating the Umpire calling the third strike. In Clearwater this spring, Burrell has taken ball four with a confidence that suggests he is ready to fulfill his potential as a player.

Another reason for optimism is Burrell's performance on the base pads. Last season a gimpy Pat Burrell could muster only a swift trot. In Florida, it appears that Burrell's foot injury has finally healed and that he has recovered some of his quickness. In his most recent game against the Yankees Pat went from first to third on a single with ease and stretched a single in to a double.

Burrell will never steal fifty bases in a season but his improved health could potentially help both his confidence and his batting average. They say that the devil is in the details. After a close examination of Pat Burrell it seems his demons have been exorcised.

Sources:
Picture of Pat Burrell from phillyburbs.com