A.J. Burnett Rumors: Angels, Indians Interested

by Ronit Shah on Feb 14, 2012 4:06 PM EST in MLB Rumors

4:06 PM EST: A trade based around Burnett and Hafner was discussed but is no longer on the table, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

2:23 PM EST: It seems inevitable the New York Yankees will end up moving starting pitcher A.J. Burnett before the season begins (even though some in the organization prefer to wait) possibly to whichever team is willing to eat the most of Burnett's $33 million owed for the next two years. Let's take a look at the latest rumors surrounding the 35-year-old pitcher:

We know the Pittsburgh Pirates have been the favorites in landing Burnett, but Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports the Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Indians have also checked in.
However, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports it's unlikely the Angels can acquire Burnett, because the righty has the Angels on his no-trade list and wants to stay east.
Heyman later adds the Indians and Yankees have discussed a deal in which designated hitter Travis Hafner would head to the Bronx. Hafner is owed $13 million in 2012 and there's a $13 million ($2.75 million buyout) team option for 2013.

Tweet Comment 1 comment | Add comment | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Hafner...

I’d love to pick this guy up to be the LH half of a DH platoon. However, considering the money he’s due this year, I wouldn’t put any money towards AJ’s contract this year, and only agree to pay 10m of his contract for next year, when Hafner will inevitably be bought out. I just wouldn’t give up AJ and pay most of his salary this year if we’re going to pay Hafner 13m, and I’m sure Cashman feels the same.

I just wonder if Cleveland would really be willing to trade Hafner for AJ straight up, with cash thrown in for next year? Is Hafner really that much of a luxury to them that they could take on the risk that AJ brings?

by ECClarke on Feb 14, 2012 4:08 PM EST reply actions