Rumor Mill - A.J. Burnett - South Side Sox

Rumor Mill - A.J. Burnett

by simplesinger on Jul 13, 2005 11:37 AM CDT Comment 14 comments

Apparently the White sox are "aggresively"going after Burnett here's the story:

Miamie Herald
July 13th

MARLINS A.J. BURNETT

Trade talks heat up

The Marlins have reportedly talked with six teams about a possible A.J. Burnett trade.

BY KEVIN BAXTER

kbaxter@herald.com

DETROIT - The Marlins have stepped up efforts to shop right-hander A.J. Burnett and are reportedly in trade discussions with at least six teams about deals that would net Florida a top reliever in return.

The Chicago White Sox are believed to be the team most aggressively pursuing the pitcher, who will become a free agent after the season. But the Baltimore Orioles have also renewed attempts to woo the Marlins, offering a package centered on reliever Jorge Julio, while the Toronto Blue Jays entered the sweepstakes this week.

The San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have also been mentioned as possible trade partners.

''We're sensing that, based on the interest conveyed through the media, that there are a lot of suitors,'' said Darek Braunecker, the player's agent.

Baltimore, which has been talking with Florida for some time about Burnett, has taken 24-year-old right-hander Daniel Cabrera (7-7, 4.90) off the table, instead offering 20-year-old Hayden Penn, a minor-leaguer who went 2-2 with a 6.75 ERA in seven big-league starts earlier this season. But they are willing to part with Julio (2-2, 4.24, a former closer whom the Marlins reportedly covet, as well as a left-handed-hitting outfielder, probably Larry Bigbie (.262, 4 HR, 17 RBI).

The Blue Jays might be the most intriguing option because Burnett (5-5, 3.33) has made no secret of his desire to be reunited with former Marlins pitching coach Brad Arnsberg, now with Toronto. The Blue Jays are willing to deal closer Miguel Batista, a former Marlin, but he's owed more than $6 million on a contract that runs through 2006. Burnett will make about $1.8 million the rest of this season.

The Marlins are also exploring several trade options that don't involve Burnett in an effort to shore up their leaky bullpen. They are known to be among four teams -- the others being Texas, Atlanta and the Chicago Cubs -- talking with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays about All-Star closer Danys Baez, who could be expendable now that Tampa has signed former Cubs closer Joe Borowski. They have also expressed interest in Kansas City left-hander Jeremy Affeldt, who made two trips to the disabled list this season with a strained groin, and might pursue the Colorado Rockies' Jay Witasick, a nine-year veteran who was released last fall by the San Diego Padres.

What do you think it would take to get him? Do you think we can swing a contract extension in the process?

SouthSideSox is a community driven site. As such, users are able to express their thoughts and opinions in a FanPost, such as this one, which represents the views of this particular fan, but not necessarily the entire community or SouthSideSox editors.

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Benefits

I think if this move is possible we've got to go for it. Bringing in Burnett would really solidify the starting staff, possibly making it the best in majors. Not to mention that we would have a battery of A.J. and A.J. every fifth day.

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." -Rogers Hornsby

by simplesinger on Jul 13, 2005 11:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Gio

I heard that they want Gio to be part of the trade.

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." -Rogers Hornsby

by simplesinger on Jul 13, 2005 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

An A-ball prospect is still an A-ball prospect

Don't get me wrong, I love Gio's potential, but I wouldn't balk at a trade for Burnett if Gio was the main prospect they wanted. There are a ton of A-ball phenoms who have flamed out before ever making it to the majors. Not saying Gio will be one of them, but a proven quality major league starter is worth way more than an A-ball strikeout artist.

by Ryno on Jul 13, 2005 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I completely agree, I had just heard that he was one piece of the puzzle at this point.

Also from what I understand El Duque has not been recalled from the minors yet, which leaves us with only 4 starters. Apparently he only went 4 innings with 1ER in his start at Charlotte, so it looks like he might still be hurting. Does this mean a trade is looming, or are they just going to bring him up right before they need him?

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." -Rogers Hornsby

by simplesinger on Jul 13, 2005 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is a move I want to make

I'm sure McCarthy would be part of the deal and I have no problem with that. If we get him, I'm guessing we could get an extension right away, this seems to be the way KW works. My only concern is that if we trade away Contreras in this deal, we are still stuck with El Duque and his DL stints.

by shaftr on Jul 13, 2005 12:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Is Florida a seller?

I thought I'd heard that if Burnett were to be traded, they'd need a major league talent coming back. Contreras + Vizcaino + Sweeney + $$$ for Burnett? Would that get it done? Two major-league arms and a pretty good prospect for half a year of Burnett?

by CWSKeith on Jul 13, 2005 4:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Seems like a no-brainer

I'm not even sure what the Marlins could ask for that I wouldn't agree to if I was KW, provided, of course, that we're sure we could lock him up to a multi-year deal before he becomes a free agent. Then again, if Baltimore is offering a package centering on Jorge Julio, maybe Burnett's impending free agency is driving the price down, since he could easily be just a half-season rent-a-player. Either way, the Marlins won't be able to afford him next year, so they have to get something for him, unless they feel they have a good enough shot at the wild card that it's worth it to go for it this year.

So, if Baltimore is offering Jorge Julio, Hayden Penn, and Larry Bigbie, could we beat that with Contreras, McCarthy, and Brian Anderson? Again, if you're going to give up your number 1 and 2 prospects (although, like the Cheat, I'm more excited about Chris Young among our outfield prospects), you have to believe you can sign Burnett before he goes on the free agent market. But isn't it some kind of tampering to try to find that out before you make a trade? I don't know. I think it'd be worth a shot.

by Ryno on Jul 13, 2005 4:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I am all for this.

Buehrle
Garcia
Burnett
Garland
El-duque/McCarthy

That would look great to me

by JoeCoolMan24 on Jul 13, 2005 5:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The BeeGees

Thats what I would call the rotation, 1-4.

by shaftr on Jul 13, 2005 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol nice

the BeeGEees, if u add El-Duque to that :)

by JoeCoolMan24 on Jul 14, 2005 3:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Padilla

In todays Sun Times, Doug Padilla had this to say about a possible deal for Burnett:

There were more indications Thursday out of South Florida that the Sox have been the most aggressive of six teams interested in Burnett. The Marlins are said to be looking for a left-handed reliever with closing experience -- Damaso Marte fits the description -- and an outfielder who can help jump-start their offense -- Carl Everett could be a fit there. Both players also would be desired because of their relative affordability. A top prospect likely would have to be included.

The article also had this quote from Williams about the tight market this year :

''There is not as much activity as there has been in the past because there aren't many options,'' Williams said. ''I guess that's unfortunate for teams trying to take their games to another level, but at the same time, it means your competitors will have a difficult time getting better. It's also a problem that's good for baseball that so many teams are in the playoff chase.''

Interesting stuff indeed.

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." -Rogers Hornsby

by simplesinger on Jul 15, 2005 9:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Forget it

Its too much to ask for a guy who has frequented the DL the past couple seasons. Burnett seems just as fragile than even the ancient Duque. "If it ain't broke..."

by chisox317 on Jul 15, 2005 3:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Scratch it...

Earlier I said I'd give up Sweeney + Contreras + Marte + $$$ for Burnett. Thinking about it a little more, no, I probably wouldn't make that deal.

Simply put, I don't think taking the upgrade of Burnett over Contreras isn't worth giving up a key part of the bullpen in Marte. Throw in the fact that I'd also have to give up Sweeney -- who, regardless of my overall feelings on his future, is still having a pretty good season at his age.

Plus, I think when it comes down to it, Toronto can put together a much better package of players. I'm sure Chacin is much more appealing than Contreras is...

If we come away from this trade deadline with Guarado or Wagner, without giving up McCarthy/Anderson/Young/Gonzalez, I'll be really happy. It would make my day if we got Guardado along with a swingman.

by CWSKeith on Jul 16, 2005 11:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Latest on possible Burnett deal

From Buster Olney's chat on ESPN.com:

MarlinFan, Aventura, FL: BUSTER: ... in todays local paper it says: ... "The White Sox, Twins and Orioles have been identified as possible landing spots for Lowell. ... Sending Lowell and Burnett to Baltimore is NOT a good fit anymore as the Orioles now decided right-hander Daniel Cabrera was off limits. ... The White Sox put together an attractive package for Burnett and Lowell with Jose Contreras, reliever Damaso Marte and either prospect Brian Anderson or Brandon McCarthy." ... A much better deal for the Marlins. YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS, BUSTER??? Thanks!

Buster Olney: A White Sox person I know said Saturday he thought they were right in the thick of this... I haven't made calls on the deal this morning, but a Burnett deal does seem imminent, based on all the smoke flying out of South Florida. The Orioles are apparently trying to substitute Hayden Penn for Cabrera, and let's face it, he might be a better option for the Marlins than Contreras, who is up and down. But if they got Brandon McCarthy in the deal, maybe that would sway them. I haven't seen Anderson play, so I can't tell you much about him, other than what I've read...

by Ryno on Jul 18, 2005 12:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs