Jan 5th 2009 1:58PM by Matt Snyder (author feed)
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Pat Burrell is about to sign a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. Rosenthal reports the deal will be worth $16 million. Burrell has played each of his nine major league seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies — the very team that defeated the Rays in the 2008 World Series.

Burrell brings his power bat with him — he’s hit at least 29 home runs and driven in at least 86 runs in the past four years, while keeping his slugging percentage up above .500. He fits in well with the Rays lineup, as he’s greatly increased his on-base percentage in the past four seasons as well. With over 100 walks for the second consecutive year in 2008, Burrell sported a .367 OBP.

Burrell will be able to play right field alongside Carl Crawford and B.J. Upton, or he could better be used as a designated hitter. He figures to fit nicely into the middle of the lineup and will provide protection for Evan Longoria and/or Upton.