Phillies Sign No. 1 Selection

The Philadelphia Phillies, determined to avoid a repeat of the J.D. Drew stalemate, agreed Friday with overall No. 1 draft pick Pat Burrell on a five-year contract worth a guaranteed $8 million.

The deal includes a $3.15-million signing bonus and could be worth up to $16.25 million through the 2004 season if the infielder meets certain standards.

Burrell was the top pick in the June draft after hitting .442 with 61 home runs in three years at the University of Miami.

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With a career that’s so far been plagued by injuries, New York Met pitcher Bill Pulsipher finally caught a break.

While waiting for a flight at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport to head back down to the minors, Pulsipher heard his name paged and was told to get to Wrigley Field.

The Mets, who played the Cubs in a doubleheader, weren’t allowed to send Pulsipher, 24, back to the minors because he has more than three years of major-league service. According to the basic agreement, he can’t be sent down without first clearing waivers.

“Technicalities are beautiful things,” Pulsipher said. “I’m glad to have one go my way. I don’t think my agent or [General Manager] Steve [Phillips] knew the rule.”

Pulsipher made it to Wrigley in the third inning of the first game, a 5-0 New York victory. He was warming up in the bullpen during the second game of the Mets sweep.