AJ Burnett trade?

[princeginterhallhelms04]

Rotoworld said he is on the block. Owed 24 million over the length of the contract and can opt out after next year if he wants? Would we take a gamble and put another oft injured pitcher on our team and pray that Sheets, Burnett are healthy and put up mad numbers? What would it take to get him?

[brettac1]

He really had a good under the radar season last year. He's the kind of pitcher the Brewers could use - lots of K's. But, he's available because he's a lock to miss probably at least 7-10 starts, which isn't really what the Brewers need.

 

Is his agent Boras? At least then you know he would likely opt out after this season.

[princeginterhallhelms04]

True... And if Boras is his agent really don't know if iwant to deal with him. But Sheets, Burnett, Yo, Villy, Suppan would be pretty good with cappy and bush in the pen. I know he is an injury risk but as a brewer fan he'd be a guy i'd target and take the risk.

[brettac1]

Oh, definitely. I like him a lot, and the Brewers do have the depth to be able to absorb his missed starts, but the thing that scares me is that he Ben McDonald's all over them and he doesn't opt out because he gets some kind of 18 month arm injury.

[mothershipconnection]

He's solid but not reliable. According to mlb4u, though HE can opt out after this season, he's still owed $12MM per year in 2008, 2009, an 2010. I just don't know how comfortable I am giving 3 years $36MM to a guy who may make 20-25 starts, but could also miss the whole season, or have a major injury and give us nothing for $36MM. It'd basically be like adding another Sheets, but without the same potential for domination and higher probability of missing significant time.

His agent is listed as Darek Braunecker.

[homer]

I think a package of Tony Gwynn Jr., Claudio Vargas, and Steve Moss would get him.

[endaround]

I think a package of Tony Gwynn Jr., Claudio Vargas, and Steve Moss would get him.

You might have to throw in Greg Aquino

 

[crewcrazy]

With Burnett's injury history, I wouldn't be surprised if he never opts out of that ridiculous contract. Even with Boras as his agent, he'd be stupid to think anyone would give him that kind of money when he wasn't able to stay healthy for Toronto.

[brosto1]

I think the Jays would love to just get out from that contract, so a trade with no money being kicked in from Toronto would not have to involve any key players from the organization. If Toronto actually wants some decent players/prospects then they would have to kick in at least half of what he is owed in 2008 to lessen the burden of the two remaining seasons if Burnett doesn't opt out.

 

I am not sure Burnett would go for it, but perhaps he would consider a move to closer. If he could make that adjustment and help him stay healthy, I think he would be as dominant a closer as there is in baseball. If Coco heads elsewhere, which I think will happen, then I would seriously look at trading for AJ if he would be willing to go to the pen. Even as a starter, it would not hurt to explore a trade, although it might have to be a three team deal that would send one of the other starters to a team for a reliever as well.

[Thurston Fluff]

With Burnett's injury history, I wouldn't be surprised if he never opts out of that ridiculous contract. Even with Boras as his agent, he'd be stupid to think anyone would give him that kind of money when he wasn't able to stay healthy for Toronto.

 

If he gets 30+ starts next year I'd bet my house he'd opt out. Teams desperate for pitching would talk themselves into thinking his injuries are behind him. Not to mention some teams can absorb the financial burden of a bad contract and take a gamble on his health more than others.