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Yankees and Pirates still working on A.J. Burnett deal

By Mark J. Miller | Scoop Du Jour – Mon, Feb 13, 2012 6:09 AM EST

us presswireA trade between the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates that would have A.J. Burnett moving to western Pennsylvania is still being worked on, according to the New York Daily News, but "the sides were still a good ways away from agreeing on the final terms of a deal," a source tells the paper.

Burnett has $33 million and two years left on his contract and the Pirates would like to only pay $10 million of that while sending over two prospects, the source told the Daily News.

"The Yankees appear willing to eat up to $20 million to shed the righty from their roster and to create payroll relief, although they might agree to pay more if the Pirates part with a top-tier prospect," the Daily News reports.

The 35-year-old who went 11-11 with a 5.15 ERA last season has 10 teams on his limited no-trade clause, but the Pirates are not one of them, the paper notes. "A.J. understands this is a business and will do what he has to do," his agent, Darek Braunecker told the paper Saturday. "He's healthy and he's looking forward to pitching for somebody."

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15 comments

The Real Deal • 3 months ago
They are "working on it"? I bet the Yankees are working harder than the Pirates.
Bill • Greensboro, North Carolina • 3 months ago
One question.. If you give up 5+ runs per game, how do you expect him to help the Pirates break their losing trend? I don't think anyone expects the Pirates to average 5 runs or better a game...
- Scott 3 months ago
  The hope is he'll pitch better once he's out of the new york spotlight.
- Justin B 3 months ago
  well prior to coming to New York he still average close to 4 runs again, and that was during his prime, even his "break through year" he still had a ERA of 4.07 and a WHIP of 1.342
- GoldeneyeNY 3 months ago
  Out of the New York spotlight, and in the National League. Actually it's pretty logical.
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STEVED • Elmhurst, Illinois • 3 months ago
What do the pirates get out of this trade? why would a team that is not in contention yet give up prospects for a below average pitcher in Burnette?
- GoldeneyeNY 3 months ago
  Before he got to NY, Burnett was not a "below average pitcher," and even NOW he's not. Out of the NY spotlight, and in the national league, you'll likely see a return of his electrifying stuff--something everyone in baseball agrees he has.
- Bill 3 months ago
  So now a pitcher with a 5 plus ERA is considered above average? Nice try Brian..Cashman that is..
D • 3 months ago
burnett still has good stuff, he just can't handle a regular rotation anymore. bring him out of the pen!! he'll make a hell of a set up man or maybe even a good closer. he just can't pitch 5-7 innings on a regular basis anymore. i think the Yanks are making a mistake by not making the most of this guy in a more appropriate role.
- Scott 3 months ago
  Either that or yank him after 4 or 5 innings, That is when he blows up. Just have someone in the pen getting ready toward the end of the 4th.
- GoldeneyeNY 3 months ago
  Burnett out of the pen is ridiculous-- especially in NY. He collapses under pressure, especially when men are on base. He's a starting pitcher, plain and simple--just not suited to the scrutiny of NY. Put him in the National League, away from NY, and he'll get back to what he was--I think this move makes sense for all concerned.
- Bill 3 months ago
  Then you must be the only one concerned Brian C...
Scott • Largo, Florida • 3 months ago
Why don't the Yankees try him in the pen? From what I can recall the last couple of years, he was mostly solid the first time through the order. It was the 2nd time (and 3rd if by the grace of god he didn't give 8 by then) through the order where the hitters timed him up or his control fell apart.
- GoldeneyeNY 3 months ago
  All due respect, but Burnett coming out of the pen is largely considered a bad good idea. He regularly cracks under pressure--especially with men on base. And since he's not closer material (or even capable of being a situational setup man), you'd relegate him to the role of 1-2 inning relief guy that enters the game with no one on base. Even the Yankees aren't going to pay $33 million for that.
- Bill 3 months ago
  Yay ... Yippee... Let's go get a 5 million dollar a year pitcher that can't handle pressure.. If the Yanks keep him they will be keeping him to warm the bench and yes they will pay him one way or the other...Maybe he can throw batting practice and give the hitters more confidence as they launch all of his "good stuff" over the fence... Nice try Brian C...
Robert • Newark, New Jersey • 3 months ago
AJ Burnett is a horrible trade for the Pirates! What's he going to do in two years for a franchise rebuilding? Nothing! Keep the prospects. A Draft pick maybe and I'm not talking about a pick in the first five rounds!
- Your 3 months ago
  I totally agree...
- JordanB 3 months ago
  They're not trading any prospects or picks. They just have to pay him. If he becomes a Pirate, he will be in a lot easier league (NL) and pitch in a more pitcher friendly ballpark in a weaker division. He had more K's last year than anyone on the Pirates current roster. It's a no brainer....you make the trade. Can't be any worse than Kevin Correia.
- GoldeneyeNY 3 months ago
  First of all, prospects ARE being considered as part of this trade. Second, this is a decent move for the Pirates. What could possibly make them worse than they already are? They'd be getting a pitcher with great stuff who simply couldn't handle the pressure of the AL east. Burnett in the National League and out of the spotlight has the likelihood of paying off for them.
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Phantom • 3 months ago
If they traded him for a bat boy it would be fine with me.
Mike B • New Orleans, Louisiana • 3 months ago
I think AJ can pitch , just not in New York.
Scott • Irvine, California • 3 months ago
The Yankees probably hope he goes to the Pirates and hates losing so he will retire.
Joe • Camden, New Jersey • 3 months ago
playing for the yankees and their winning tradition will make a guy focus and play his best. for burnett that equated to a 5.00+ ERA. what do you think he'll do when he's a year old and playing for the pirates? the bucs deserve to continue to be a laughing stock if they take this guy and actually give up prospects to get him. why would they even want burnett if he were given to them - with salary paid in full and giving up no prospects? you know you're not going anywhere with him and he would be taking some young player's roster spot.
Raymond B • Springfield, Illinois • 3 months ago
OK, no Garrett Jones, then how about Casey McGehee, Nate McLouth, and Brad Lincoln for Burnett? This will give some rest for ARod, Swisher, Granderson, and Texiera...and if Lincoln works out, then trade bait for next winter.

A.J. needs a team that is in the NL and has plenty of hitting, why the Cards and Brewers are not making some low-ball offer, I have no idea.
alan • 3 months ago
good deal for the Pirates ....maybe he can help them break the 19 years losing record.
Bluedragon • Canton, Ohio • 3 months ago
Why on earth would the Pirates want that worn out,tired and ugly Burnett?
Thumper53 • 3 months ago
If it is a stupid deal for the Bucs, then the Pirate management will do it, that is why they are on a record loosing streak, all they care about is making money, not winning! The Pirate fans deserve new ownership!
str A's hooter • 3 months ago
Its a win-win situation if the Yanks pick up the tab.