The Phillies have signed Pat Burrell to a six-year, $50 million contract.

Ed Wade, the team's general manager and vice president, said the deal wasn't the easiest to negotiate, but that he was glad to get it done.

"As we've stated many times in the recent past, our goal is to draft, sign and develop championship-caliber players, bring them to the big leagues and then retain them for the long term,'' Wade said. "I can't think of a single player who better exemplifies that plan and commitment than Pat Burrell.''

It seems to me the Phillies don't want another Scott Rolen incident. Burrell is a good player who had a major improvement last year at the age of 25. It's the perfect time to sign him to a six-year deal. The Phillies will get the best years of his career, and $8 million a year for someone of his caliber is very reasonable. It's a good deal for Ed Wade, and it looks like the Phillies continue to be very serious about winning. 2004 Is shaping up to be a great season for them.