The Pittsburgh Pirates, going for an even 20 on their consecutive losing seasons streak in 2012, are close to a deal to pick up a pitcher after striking out as often as Adam Dunn in free agency.
ESPN.com is reporting that a framework is in place for a deal that would send A.J. Burnett from the Yankees to the Pirates. Burnett was rendered obsolete in New York with the acquisitions of Michael Pineda and Hiroki Kuroda.
The Yankees wanted left-handed slugger Garrett Jones, but that's not likely to happen. Probably the holdup is how much the Yankees will supplement his contract. Burnett (along with Barry Zito) is one of the most overpaid pitchers in the game. He'll make $35 million in the next two seasons. His ERA was over five in both 2010 and 2011.
A trip from the penthouse to the basement wouldn't appeal to many players -- which is why free agents Roy Oswalt and Edwin Jackson didn't bite on lucrative offers -- but Burnett, according to the New York Daily News -- is OK with it. Burnett has a no-trade clause, but the Pirates aren't on it.
Burnett, who is the No. 6 or No. 7 starter for the Yankees, might be the ace in Pittsburgh. With Burnett, the Pirates' rotation would look like this: Burnett, Jeff Karstens, Charlie Morton, James McDonald and either Erik Bedard or Kevin Correia.
Related: Free agent starting pitchers
No comments:
Post a Comment