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Burnett Offered Contract By Braves
Written by Colin on December 4, 2008 – 5:03 pmThe Braves made an offer to free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett today, believed to be for four years and in the ballpark of $16 million a year. The offer is also believed to have a fifth year option if he stays healthy enough to pitch a certain number of innings.
Burnett won 18 games with the Jays last year and led the American League in strikeouts. Frank Wren confirmed the offer had been extended to Burnett – who is probably the best free agent pitcher on the market other than C.C. Sabathia, who the Braves are not making a move for.
The Yankees are expected to make an offer soon – but they were waiting to see how much cash the Braves were willing to throw his way first. He’s receiving plenty of attention, and I’m not sure whether or not the Braves have a chance at landing him. I’d guess that Wren put together an offer he feels will be competitive, as we’re not going to just magically land great pitching without giving something up in return. I’m not holding my breath, though, as we rarely win bidding wars with major free agents.
Come to Atlanta, A.J. We have Bobby Cox, Chipper Jones, and a giant cow standing over left field. Not to mention the Varsity, a big fish tank, and friendly fans that’ll show up for games on weekends.
What do you think will happen? Do we land Burnett or not?
Tags: A.J. Burnett, Atlanta Braves, Free Agent Offerings We'll Never Sign, Starting Pitching
Posted in General, Roster Moves | 9 Comments »
By RueGrant on Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Colin dear, something tells me that your attempt at swaying Burnett's opinion will fall on deaf ears.
By Colin Ake on Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Hush. You're not being helpful at all.
By Colin Ake on Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
Never. Go write another article on some prospect nobody's ever heard of so we can drive traffic.
Alternatively, the top 10 reasons Burnett should sign with Atlanta. That'd be fun.
By Craig Maguire on Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
I think we should, but it worrys me where does that leave Glavine and Smoltz?? I also thinking letting Hampton go was the best move the Braves have in a while.
By Jonathan on Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
I still think a lot is to be seen with Glavine and Smoltz. I don't think this should have too much bearing on these two guys though, especially Smoltz. If he comes back to the team, I think it would be completely wrong to put him anywhere other than in the bullpen.
By RueGrant on Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
why WOULDN'T Glavine retire? don't you think it's past due?
By RueGrant on Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
whatever drives traffic, my dear.
By Grant on Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
The Braves are going to go full-out for Burnett. My feeling is that he lands here, if that vesting option for the fifth year is a hit with A.J and his agent anyway. Doesn't seem like too many other clubs are eager to hand the five years up front. If Smoltz comes back (I have heard that Glavine is leaning towards retirement), he will likely be a starter. I don't see anyway he joins the bullpen and is not the closer. With Gonzalez around, that's not happening.
Maybe you use Smoltz as the "#5" and use the extra days off to give him extra rest on the occasions you need to. That's my theory anyway.
By RueGrant on Dec 5, 2008 | Reply
when was i ever helpful?