We know that the Yankees and Pirates have been discussing A.J. Burnett for several days. I guess we don't know that for absolute certain, but there are so many reports on the subject that I'd be amazed if it were all lies. The Yankees and Pirates have been discussing A.J. Burnett, and it looks like the Yankees and Pirates will work out a trade involving A.J. Burnett.
Indians, Yankees Talked A.J. Burnett Trade For A Little
But the Pirates are not the only team with which the Yankees have spoken. The Angels were said to have placed a call or two. Some other teams were said to be involved. And the Indians are or were involved, with specifics courtesy of Jon Heyman:
Yankees/indians talk revolves around aj and travis hafner. cleve unsure it would do that swap. yanks also don’t mind the FA DH options
Crucial details:
A.J. Burnett
35
$16.5 million in 2012, $16.5 million in 2013
5.15 ERA last season
8.2 strikeouts-per-nine last season
Travis Hafner
34
$13 million in 2012, $2.75 million buyout for 2013
.811 OPS last season
Burnett's a ground-balling starter who could fit with Cleveland's other ground-balling starters, what with the guy formerly known as Fausto Carmona presently indisposed. Hafner's a lefty-hitting DH who could serve as the lefty-hitting DH the Yankees seek. But Burnett's a lot more expensive than Hafner is, with that guaranteed 2013 salary, so one can understand Cleveland's hesitation. Maybe something could materialize here, but it looks like the Pirates are still the heavy favorites in the A.J. Burnett Sweepstakes, which is a depressing sweepstakes.
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