Burks Activated

[CalvnHobs6]

Burks activated, hopes to contribute to title

 

By HOWARD ULMAN, AP Sports Writer

September 23, 2004

BOSTON (AP) -- Ellis Burks plans to announce his retirement after this season. First, the 18-year veteran wants to help the Boston Red Sox win a few more games.

 

The 40-year-old outfielder-designated hitter was activated Thursday after nearly five months on the disabled list, two operations on his left knee and a steady rehabilitation to get him in shape to play.

 

``At the end of the season it's going to be definite,'' he said of his retirement. ``I'll announce it.''

 

First, he's eager to play again for the team that took him with the 20th pick of the 1983 draft. He re-signed as a free agent in the offseason and struggled during limited playing time. He had just four hits -- including a home run -- in 30 at-bats over nine games before going on the disabled list April 26.

 

``You can't play forever. As much as I'd like to, you tend to realize there's times when you have to let it go and leave it up to some of the younger guys,'' he said before Thursday's game against Baltimore. ``But I'm here. I'm having fun with it and, who knows, I might be coaching or managing one of these days.''

 

To make room for Burks on the 40-man roster, the Red Sox placed lefty Phil Seibel on unconditional waivers. Francona said he needs Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow and the Red Sox are optimistic they can re-sign him to a minor-league deal.

 

Burks entered Thursday's game with a .291 career batting average, 352 homers and 1,206 RBIs in 1,998 games with Boston, the Chicago White Sox, Colorado, San Francisco and Cleveland.

 

``My body is at a point right now where it's really sore,'' he said.

 

Manager Terry Francona said he would most likely use Burks as a pinch-hitter.

 

Even though he hasn't played much this year, ``it's been rewarding in the sense where the team is successful,'' Burks said. ``Hopefully, we can go a lot further.''

 

Burks has been a regular presence in the locker room throughout the year.

 

``It's been hard work, and he has never once given up when he probably could have about 10 or 11 times,'' Francona said. ``And he pulled off somehow being a leader because it's so hard when you're on the disabled list to do that.''

 

But he wasn't sure how many opportunities Burks will get down the stretch.

 

``If the opportunity presents itself, I'd love for him to hit,'' Francona said. ``I don't know if you can start searching (for that opportunity), though. It doesn't work too good.''

 

Center fielder Johnny Damon thinks he knows how much it would mean for Burks to get into a game.

 

``He's been dying to get out there all year. I respect him a lot,'' Damon said. ``Hopefully, he came back to Boston for a reason, and that's to get a (World Series) ring, and we feel like we can do it for him.''

 

Although there's virtually no chance Burks would be activated for the playoffs, he plans to stay with the Red Sox as long as they're still playing and, he hopes, for a championship celebration.

 

``I'm sticking around for the parade, too,'' he said.

[YanksHater213]

sweet...

[mosox]

I was so glad to see him in the game and smack a hit. The Fenway ovation was great to see.

[yeszir]

I think I sprained a muscle jumping to my feet when they announced he was pinch hitting...

[Zenny]

If only Ellis had stayed healthy for us in '92; just think of the possibilities. He'd be a legend and the new Jim Rice (i.e. another Red Sox left-fielder who played OK defense and did some DH'ing to keep him out of the Hall despite all the necessary offensive numbers).

[sarasoxfan]

are you guys serious, who gives a s***...we have more than enough guys now who are fighting for playing time. I want a world series victory and sentimentality doesnt win games.

[elsrbueno]

Sarasox,

This guy has worked so hard to come back. All he wants to do is play the game of baseball. His heart, attitude, and efforts are all in the right place. He's the kind of guy who deserves our respect and admiration.

 

Is there room on the playoff roster for a player who can't play defense and can barely run the bases? Of course not. But he deserves to get the chance to help this team in September... and with the expanded rosters, you can afford to have him pinch hit, then take him out of the game for a pinch-runner or defensive replacement.

 

Burks is a professional hitter and a great character. It's awesome that he's back, it's awesome that he got cheered at home.

 

Realistically: Burks CAN help us win games with his bat.

[sarasoxfan]

I respect him and I appreciate what he has accomplished.

 

But I never really understood why we have him.

 

Hell, I want to see thse guys win the East.. I dont see Burks as the best guyy we have coming off the bench.

 

I know he worked hard, but september games with the expanded roster isnt the place for courtesy at bats, teaching rookies or giving somebody a chance yto hit big league pitching-with a pennant on the line.

[elsrbueno]

I like Burks. If you're going to use SOMEONE as strictly a right-handed PH off the bench, he's a good option. Let's look at the other choices:

 

Kevin Youkilis: Plays a solid 3B. Is good at getting on base.

David McCarty: Good defensive 1B. Hasn't shown much with the bat.

Pokey Reese: Again, best used as a defensive sub.

Ricky Gutierrez: Not even as good as Pokey with the bat.

 

If it were me, and I needed a right handed bat who I'd certainly pinch run for if he got on base... I'd pick Burks.

 

Here's why: He and Youkilis are far superior hitters to anyone else on this list. Youkilis is my second choice, but he's got value too as a defensive 3B (if necessary).

 

So, bottom of the ninth, tie game, Mientkiewicz at the plate against a TOUGH lefty...I'd bat Burks for him, use Roberts (or Pokey) if Ellis gets on base, then you've got McCarty to play first if you don't score.

 

I honestly believe Burks is capable of helping the Red Sox win with his bat.

[noonanberg]

I have mixed emotions on Burks, which will probably depend on his performance. If he can show a solid bat he will prove to have been worth the wait. Otherwise, he will have taken up a spot the whole year that a guy like Daubach could've taken.

[mosox]

What a great farewell for Ellis Burks at Fenway. First the hit on Thursday night and then the standing ovation Sunday. It's nice to see the Sox and their fans reward a guy who truly has alot of heart.