The Cost Of Burnett

At Rotoworld they write about what the Blue Jayscould ask from the Mets for A.J. Burnett:

He'd likely come cheaper than similarly talented pitchers, though for good reason. He's injury-prone and he can opt out of his deal in a year, hurting his value. The Blue Jays would still demand a significant price, as they're hoping to contend next year. They'd probably ask for Mike Pelfrey and Aaron Heilman or Joe Smith.

Yo, A.J. - You Comin' Over Here?

No, not A.J. Soprano, but the Blue Jays own, A.J. Burnett, the oft-injured starter signed as a Free Agent (and previously Marlins' property). The latest rumor that we're hearing is that we still don't have enough to acquire a top-line starter, and may trade with the Blue Jays, which would enable us to offer a lesser package of prospects, probably with-holding Aaron Heilman to boot. Burnett, when healthy, has wicked stuff, but the only problem is - he's rarely healthy. If the cost isn't too prohibitive (he does have the ability to opt out of his deal), Burnett is another one of those "high risk/high reward" type of players we might have no choice but to take a chance on. It would probably take a combo of Pelfrey, Church or Gomez and a high-end, younger talent like a Guerra or Dylan Owen. I've also heard Mark Prior rumblings, but don't think they'll amount to much. Freddie Garcia would be interesting, but he won't be able to return to the mound from his injury until June or July; didn't the Mets' learn when Dice-K didn't perform up to expectations last season? Keep away from Kuroda! Not much news on the Colon front, but we're still hearing (ESPN, Fox, SI) that the Mets are keen on Livan Hernandez. I am hoping we come away with something far greater than Livan- I'd even be willing to sign Carlos Silva first, as he is younger and has better stuff at this stage of his career than Livan does.

Finally, after that incredible Marlins trade, perhaps anything is still possible- even Santana hasn't been traded yet! (That DOESN'T mean we will ever have a shot at him, UNLESS he plays out the season and files for Free Agency!) Have a great night- tomorrow (Wednesday) should be just as crazy!!!!

Mets Interested In Burnett?

At Gotham Baseball Magazine they write about the availability of Blue Jays Starting Pitcher A.J. Burnett:

One interesting development of late, and sure to be discussed this week among the Mets' brain trust, is the possible availability of Blue Jays' right-hander A. J. Burnett.

On condition of anonymity, one East Coast-based baseball official says that much of the recent talk by Toronto GM J.P. Riccardi that he's not really looking to do much this offseason is really "means that he's not allowed to anything, except drop payroll."

"He'd love to move that contract, and given (Omar) Minaya's love for power pitchers, that's a deal I think will be discussed."