Phils’ New Attitude Translates Into Wins

Rarely does one see a player like Pat Burrell outstretch–putting his body on the line to make a game saving catch, or charge an opposing catcher to break up a play at the plate. On Monday, Phillies fans got to see that and more from Burrell against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. To many Phillies fans, Burrell is known for his listless play on the field and at the plate and has the most unmemorable 23 home runs and 73 RBI’s on the team.

Burrell never stood far from criticism. The University of Miami star represented the lackluster, paycheck-collecting attitude that fans in Philadelphia came to resent of the Phillies. After Bobby Abreu and David Bell were sent out of town prior to the trade deadline, a different Phillies team emerged behind players such as Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Aaron Rowand.

The new style Phillies have been producing an colossal amount of offense going 14-7 in August, outscoring opponents 143 to 97. On this gritty hot streak, Dave Dellucci and Shane Victorino have played the majority of the games in the outfield, leaving Pat Burrell the odd man out. Pat said that he was not happy with his time on the bench, but in mid-August got a chance at daily play again because of Dave Dellucci’s minor muscle injury. The Philadelphia fans relentlessly and noticeably booed every strike-out or bad swing Burrell made, for he represents the erroneous, easy going, losing Phillies of the past few years that didn’t get traded by the deadline.

After the weekend series with the Washington Nationals, the Phillies flew into Chicago to play the hapless Cubs. Pat Burrell came into the series like a man on fire, making two uncharacteristically gritty plays and having one of his best games in recent history. Not doing especially well statistically (going one for three with a walk), in the top of the fourth inning Pat barreled home on an Abe Nunez hit, forearming the Cubs catcher Henry Blanco out of the way causing the ball to hit the backstop, allowing Aaron Rowand to score easily. Burrell also made a full extension diving-grab in the seventh inning which turned out to be the first crucial out in a big comeback inning from the Cubs who cut the Phillies lead to two, making it 5 to 3.

The way Pat Burrell played on Monday carried over into the second game against the Cubs. Pat had a mediocre night at the plate going one for four with two RBI’s, but was noticeably hustling to first base after contact with much resemblance to the jolting Phils’ Chase Utley never allows himself to be an easy out.

If Pat Burrell continues his hard play and hustle on this road trip, the relentless booing should stop, and fans should applaud and respect his effort when he returns to Philly regardless of how they feel about his past. If Pat and the Phillies continue playing this “Chase Utley” style of baseball for the rest of the season, and the Phillies win the wild card, the Phillies organization could easily wash the loser mystique, along with ill effort from their reputation, showing the fans a new team attitude and a good product to sell.

Philly fans not only respect hard play and hustle from their teams, but fall in love with players who may not have all the talent or skill but consider winning a priority over everything—including health.

Just ask Aaron Rowand what’s important.

Photo by Jeff Roberson / AP