Sign AJ Burnett: Signs with PHI

[PrinceFielderx1]

I heard 1 GM on mlbnetwork radio say that the Brewers are better than the Reds and Pirates and that the Cardinals are the best team, but that the Brewers should sign Burnett to a 1-2 years deal, because he's an ace. This would be a good move because it creates even more pitching depth and it take our rotation up another level. The Brewers from what I hear seem to have plenty of money to spend. I say why not. Let's take a run at the Cards.

[502 to Right]

All reports are that he's only considering teams within a reasonable drive from his home in Maryland: Pittsburgh, Philly, Natstown, and Baltimore.

[jerichoholicninja]

I don't see how he's an "ace". Signing him would give the team four #1 or #2 pitchers with Lohse, Garza, Gallardo, and Burnett and one of the top rotations in the league. I don't think it would be a bad deal but it's just not going to happen.

[TURBO]

I don't really consider any of those guys to be true #1 starting pitchers. Four #2s is a lot closer...

[PrinceFielderx1]

All reports are that he's only considering teams within a reasonable drive from his home in Maryland: Pittsburgh, Philly, Natstown, and Baltimore.

 

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/02/phillies-orioles-unlikely-to-sign-burnett.html

 

Looks like Phillies and Baltimore are out. Would the Pirates/Nats sign him? and if not he will have to expand where he is willing to go. Money talks, though.

[RockCoCougars]

If he's limiting himself geographically, I'd bet on a return to Pittsburgh.

[PrinceFielderx1]

If he's limiting himself geographically, I'd bet on a return to Pittsburgh.

 

Can they afford him?

[brewmann04]

sign Burnett and then move Estrada for a 1st baseman.

[endaround]

If he's limiting himself geographically, I'd bet on a return to Pittsburgh.

 

I would have thought that except Pittsburgh did not give him a QO and has shown no signs of wanting him back. It's weird.

[Eye Black]

I have a feeling he is going to sign with team that gives him the best financial offer regardless of geographical location. As Greinke reminded us all last February, money is "obviously the number one thing".

 

From my recollection Burnett's timeline goes something like this... Last fall reports were that he is going to either sign with the Pirates or retire; then reports surface that Burnett may be willing to sign with the Pirates at a discount because of their location; then the Pirates don't give him a qualifying offer presumably because he may sign with them at a discount; then the Pirates don't immediately sign him and he is open to listening to offers from other teams; then the other offers are strong and he is almost assured of getting more then what the qualifying offer would have paid him.

 

It seems like he did a great job of talking the Pirates out of extending a qualifying offer while ensuring himself the most FA value by not being attached to the loss of a draft pick. Maybe I will be surprised and the geographical thing will win out, but it seems like if it was more important than the money, then he would have signed already.

[PrinceFielderx1]

sign Burnett and then move Estrada for a 1st baseman.

 

To be honest, if they can sign Burnett I'd trade Nelson, Thornburg, Estrada and Tyrone Taylor and anybody else in the minors to start trade negotiations with the Marlins for Stanton, then we match up very well with the Cards and can win the division. We'd have to go 3 years for Burnett guaranteed to entice him. Money is the most important thing. I agree with the other poster that if it was a geographical thing he would have signed already.

[Warning Track Power]

sign Burnett and then move Estrada for a 1st baseman.

 

To be honest, if they can sign Burnett I'd trade Nelson, Thornburg, Estrada and Tyrone Taylor and anybody else in the minors to start trade negotiations with the Marlins for Stanton, then we match up very well with the Cards and can win the division. We'd have to go 3 years for Burnett guaranteed to entice him. Money is the most important thing. I agree with the other poster that if it was a geographical thing he would have signed already.

That wouldn't even get the conversation with the Marlins going I don't think. If I am the Marlins, I'm calling the Mariners add asking for Walker plus some hitting prospects to see if I can pair Fernandez with Walker long term at the top of my rotation. A package of Thornburg, Taylor and Nelson might get you...Matt Kemp and $30ish million of the 6 years $128 million he is still owed but not Stanton.

 

Hmm...Matt Kemp at 6 years $90ish million might be a package I'd be interested in as the Brewers will need a #4 hitter to replace Ramirez after this year or next.

[PrinceFielderx1]

sign Burnett and then move Estrada for a 1st baseman.

 

To be honest, if they can sign Burnett I'd trade Nelson, Thornburg, Estrada and Tyrone Taylor and anybody else in the minors to start trade negotiations with the Marlins for Stanton, then we match up very well with the Cards and can win the division. We'd have to go 3 years for Burnett guaranteed to entice him. Money is the most important thing. I agree with the other poster that if it was a geographical thing he would have signed already.

That wouldn't even get the conversation with the Marlins going I don't think. If I am the Marlins, I'm calling the Mariners add asking for Walker plus some hitting prospects to see if I can pair Fernandez with Walker long term at the top of my rotation. A package of Thornburg, Taylor and Nelson might get you...Matt Kemp and $30ish million of the 6 years $128 million he is still owed but not Stanton.

 

Hmm...Matt Kemp at 6 years $90ish million might be a package I'd be interested in as the Brewers will need a #4 hitter to replace Ramirez after this year or next.

 

Yeah I figured I was dreaming, but it was fun while it lasted! Point is by signing Burnett it without question opens the door up for a major trade for an offensive really good player. I'd look 1B or 3B.

[torts]

If he's limiting himself geographically, I'd bet on a return to Pittsburgh.

 

Can they afford him?

 

the pirates have more money than they know what to do with, but he's said the pirates are the last team he'd sign with right now, so my money is him not coming back to pittsburgh.

[JohnBriggs12]

sign Burnett and then move Estrada for a 1st baseman.

 

To be honest, if they can sign Burnett I'd trade Nelson, Thornburg, Estrada and Tyrone Taylor and anybody else in the minors to start trade negotiations with the Marlins for Stanton, then we match up very well with the Cards and can win the division. We'd have to go 3 years for Burnett guaranteed to entice him. Money is the most important thing. I agree with the other poster that if it was a geographical thing he would have signed already.

 

Except Stanton isn't on the market. Marlins want to lock him up long term. Burnett's been good the last couple years but he is 37. I don't see it.

[TURBO]

sign Burnett and then move Estrada for a 1st baseman.

 

To be honest, if they can sign Burnett I'd trade Nelson, Thornburg, Estrada and Tyrone Taylor and anybody else in the minors to start trade negotiations with the Marlins for Stanton, then we match up very well with the Cards and can win the division. We'd have to go 3 years for Burnett guaranteed to entice him. Money is the most important thing. I agree with the other poster that if it was a geographical thing he would have signed already.

 

Ummmmmm.....................................ok, I've got nothing to say, I'm speechless.

[KCBrewerfan34]

I have to believe the Brew are nearly tapped out

[brewmann04]

Mark A always find way if needed.

[DocLuna7]

If he's limiting himself geographically, I'd bet on a return to Pittsburgh.

 

Can they afford him?

 

the pirates have more money than they know what to do with, but he's said the pirates are the last team he'd sign with right now, so my money is him not coming back to pittsburgh.

 

Not that I am doubting the quote, but do you mind citing Burnett saying that the last team he'd sign with is PIT? I just haven't heard that before, but probably just missed it.

[JohnBriggs12]

I have to believe the Brew are nearly tapped out

 

 

Remember every team in baseball is getting $26 million in additional national TV contract money this year. The Brewers are far from "tapped out" but I'm sure they don't see value here and would prefer to have some reserve for another opportunity where the need is more glaring than the rotation.

[trwi7]

Lock it up. He's signing with the Phillies.

[monty57]

No surprise the Phillies like a 37-year old. He'll fit right in with the rest of their old guys.

 

It doesn't surprise me that the Pirates didn't bring him back, and it will be interesting to see how the Pirates build over the future. I heard their GM in an interview last season saying they weren't willing to give up the future for the present. Anyone who's read anything I've written over the past few years could figure that I would like a GM like that, so Pittsburgh could be a good model to see if Tampa has some magic that no one else can tap into, or if other small-market teams can find success with this strategy.