A.J. Burnett (SP), FLA - Rumor
December 05, 2005
News: With the start of the winter meetings on Monday, A.J. Burnett figures to be one of the hottest commodities at the bargaining table. Taking full advantage of a relative scarcity in premier starting pitchers, Burnett is reportedly looking for a five-year, $55 million deal.
Views: Toronto and St. Louis have emerged as the front-runners in the Burnett sweepstakes. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals have offered Burnett, who grew up a Cardinal fan, a four-year, $40 million deal. Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi hopes to finalize a deal soon, but knows it can be a lengthy ordeal to sign an elite player. "When you get involved with this, you know it's a long process. It's no slam dunk. Everybody wants things to happen fast. Sometimes it just doesn't go at the pace you want it to go at."
Fantasy-wise, Burnett carries slightly more value as a Cardinal -- better overall defense and no DH. In either event, Burnett owners hope he finally lives up to the hype and potential.
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