The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA - Left fielder Pat Burrell received a $50 million, six-year contract from the Philadelphia Phillies in their latest big offseason move.

Coming off a 14th losing season in 16 years, the Phillies have been one of the most aggressive teams, signing first baseman Jim Thome and third baseman David Bell and trading for pitcher Kevin Millwood.

Hesitant to spend money in the past, Philadelphia has committed nearly $162 million to the four players.

"I'm glad to be a part of the big puzzle they put together this offseason," Burrell said.

Burrell, 26, hit .282 with 37 home runs and 116 RBI last year - the best offensive performance by a Phillie since Mike Schmidt had 37 homers and 119 RBI in 1986.

Burrell is coming off an $8 million, five-year contract that paid him $1,275,000 last year. He was picked in the 1998 draft as a third baseman, but the Phillies moved him to first base, then to left field.

"This city has taken me in and been really good to me," Burrell said. "I think the organization has treated me better than I ever could have imagined."

Burrell gets a $1.5 million signing bonus, of which $1 million is payable upon approval, $250,000 on Jan. 15, 2004 and $250,000 the following Jan. 15. He gets annual salaries of $1 million in 2003, $4 million in 2004, $7 million in 2005, $9.5 million in 2006, $13 million in 2007 and $14 million in 2008.

"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," Phillies general manager Ed Wade said. "I can't think of a single player who better exemplifies that plan and commitment than Pat Burrell."

Burrell agreed to donate $100,000 during the contract to the Baseball Assistance Team and $150,000 to Phillies Charities Inc.

EXPOS

A New York businessman says he wants to buy the Montreal Expos and move them to Washington, but he has had only preliminary contact with District of Columbia baseball officials.

Mark Broxmeyer called a news conference to discuss his interest in the Expos, who are owned by the other 29 major league teams and are up for sale.

Baseball officials, however, have been dealing with government groups, not potential owners, as they start the selling process. Representatives of Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia and Portland, Ore., met with baseball's committee on the Expos last week.

METS

New York now has two Glavines.

Mike Glavine, the younger brother of the Mets' new ace, agreed to a minor-league deal with the team. Last year, the 30-year-old hit .273 with 21 homers and 66 RBI for the Somerset Patriots of the independent Atlantic League.

The Mets also hired former major leaguer Brett Butler as a part-time minor league outfield and baserunning instructor.

YANKEES

The team promoted three development officials.

Lin Garrett was made vice president of scouting and player development, up from vice president of scouting. Rob Thomson was given the title vice president and director of minor league operations, up from director of player development. Damon Oppenheimer was made vice president of professional scouting, up from director of player personnel.

SHORT HOPS

Infielder Lou Merloni and the Boston Red Sox agreed to $560,000, one-year contract, avoiding salary arbitration. Merloni hit .247 with 12 doubles, four homers and 18 RBI in 84 games for Boston last season.

Former National League MVP Ken Caminiti won a one-day delay of a court appearance scheduled after he tested positive last week for cocaine use. Caminiti, 39, was free on bond pending his rescheduled court appearance.