October 14, 2008
Initials on Initials
J.C. Bradbury puts a price on A.J. Burnett, and comes down in favor of Burnett accepting the Jays offer.
It's possible that Burnett may be able to squeeze some more cash out of another franchise, but it's an awful risk to take. I really can't see another team offering more than what the Jays have supposedly put on the table. And this is from the guy who typically defends high salaries that most think are outrageous.
In three years with the Jays, Burnett made 80 of a possible 102 starts (if you figure 34 a year). His ERAs are good but not great. His strikeout numbers are extremely good, however. So teams are looking a high K pitcher who is available 80% of the time and hasn't turned his high K rate into a great ERA. If I were a GM, I'd try to sign him to a two or three year deal with two or three options after that.