A.J. Burnett, a maligned former Yankees pitcher who really hit his stride in Pittsburgh over the past two seasons, is still on the open market. Despite turning 37 this year, a source close to Burnett said he plans on toeing the rubber in 2014.
The Pirates, who ended one of MLB's longest playoff droughts last year by reaching the postseason as a wildcard, leaned on two reclamation projects in the staff to get there. Burnett and Francisco Liriano were crucial to their rotation, and Bucs president Frank Coonelly did not shut the door on a third chapter for Burnett in Steel town.
"We'd love to have A.J. back, but right now we've turned the page and we're heading to Bradenton (Fla.) thinking he's not going to be with us," Coonelly said. "But if he surprises us and calls up tomorrow and says he wants to pitch again, we'd love to have him."
Liriano and second-year stud Gerrit Cole figure to headline the rotation this season and Pirates brass bought in Edinson Volquez on a $5 million deal to take Burnett's spot. The rest of the rotation will include Charlie Morton, Wandy Rodriguez, and likely breakout pitcher Jeff Locke. Still, one of those spots can surely open up for Burnett according to Coonelly.
"If he surprises us and he calls tomorrow and he's as passionate and competitive and as determined as he was for the first two years that he was with us, we would be thrilled to have him back," Coonelly said. "And we have the flexibility to bring him back."
Another team with a need for veteran rotation help is the Baltimore Orioles, who are looming as favorites to land the free agent. According to BaltimoreSun.com, Burnett is interesting to the O's because he likely would command a short contract. Rumor has it Baltimore has also had talks with Ubaldo Jimenez, Bronson Arroyo and Ervin Santana.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
