The fruits of free agency await Blue Jays' starting pitcher A.J. Burnett thanks to a deftly negotiated contract that allows him to walk after year three of five. This was a win-win situation from the beginning for Burnett: have a lousy year and make $12-million; have a good year and make considerably more.
Burnett is having a very good year. Suddenly, all those people who wanted him dealt before the trade-deadline hope he stays in Toronto. Who'd have thought that possible after his ill-advised tip of the cap following a June shellacking at the hands of the Orioles?
It's assumed several teams aching for a good pitcher can't wait to get their hands on Burnett. That may be true. It's also possible he won't generate the interest some think. Here are two reasons why:
1. The market will already feature a handful of All Star-caliber arms like CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets, and Ryan Dempster.
2. Despite an injury-free 2008, Burnett's career is checkered with frequent visits to the disabled list.
Burnett has yet to publicly declare his intention, and though it's easy to assume he'll walk at season's end, he's often said: "Everybody talks about me leaving, but nobody talks about me staying."
If he stays, nothing changes financially and, yet again, the Jays would feature a formidable rotation in '09.
If he goes, the team has decisions to make. That's $24-million to play with. Do you throw it at another available pitcher or start talking "extension" with Roy Halladay?
How do you think this will play out? I'll look forward to reading some of your responses.
