Pat has been slumping for quite some time now, despite the resurgence of the rest of the team. What do you think needs to be done? If we are close to a playoff spot down the road and he is still slumping, do you think he would/should be traded?

I really don't want to trade him, if for no other reason than I fear him getting things straighten out on his new team and making the Phillies pay every time he plays them.

In a completely foreign move for a Philly fan, I have faith that he can get things straightened out soon and add the last piece of hitting to the line-up so the offense becomes more consistent.

That said, if they do end up trading him, it better be to an AL team at the very least. And they need a left fielder in return.

Dmitri Young in Detroit or Melven Mora of Baltimore are the best options on bad teams in the AL.

Here's an idea. We could trade for a left fielder, but not get rid of Burrell. Either send him to the minors, use him off the bench or something, but don't give up on him completely just because he's struggled for half a season.

How long should the Phillies wait and be patient?

It depends on how the season goes, I suppose.

If they're still in contention and it's not affecting the team too badly, keep him in there.

If they're still in contention, but he's hurting their chances, bench him.

If they drop out by the middle of August, they might as well keep him in there so he can work it out.

It is time they get honset with themselves, and bring in another good bat, and bench burrell, for a LONG time.

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Is platooning him the answer or is it time to consider a trade?

By all means, don't trade him. Just bench him. If he didn't perform next year, I'd think about trade. Heck maybe even put him down in AAA so they can work some of the kinks out with a lot fewer eyeballs on him.

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A quote from pat:
I like it, at least he knows his bad play affects a lot more than just himself.

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Burrell buries Giants with two late homers

Big win for the Philies, and while it is only one game, Pat came up big for the team today. Hopefully this will kickstart his confidence and he'll go on a tear.