So, as I wrote in an early edition of The Paper today, the Blue Jays have had one of their pro scouts at The Bank this week. And while that's hardly a rarity for this time of year (most teams have scouts canvassing the country and filing reports on players that may be discussed in potential deals), Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi reportedly has dispatched his top personnel advisor, Tony LaCava, to Reading to watch some of the Phillies' prospects.And we know the Phillies have interest in Jays starter A.J. Burnett.
How much interest? Well, that all depends on how much they'd have to give up for Burnett, who always has had electric stuff but has never quite harnessed it. There's also the matter of Burnett's contract. He has two more years and $12 million remaining, but he can opt out of his deal after the season and choose free agency, a gamble that he will take if his agent Darek Braunecker believes Burnett can make more than $24 million over the next two years by negotiating a new multiyear contract. If Burnett stays with the Blue Jays, it's believed he will opt out, which could net them two compensatory draft picks next June. Thus, the Jays likely will be asking for two prospects in any trade for Burnett.
The Jays reportedly like center-field prospect Greg Golson, and they also are looking at right-hander Carlos Carrasco and catcher Lou Marson. The impression I've been getting is the Phils may be willing to trade one of those three, but no more than one, and they have serious reservations about moving Carrasco or Marson. Toronto may also be interested in infielders Jason Donald or Brad Harman. All of those players are in Reading, and Golson, Carrasco, Marson and Donald have been picked to play in the Futures Game on Sunday at Yankee Stadium.
Something else to consider: Burnett's pitching coach in Florida was Rich Dubee, and he still talks to Dubee often during spring training. Also, Burnett's offseason home is in the Baltimore area. Those two factors make it plausible that Burnett may stay with the Phils beyond this season, rather than opting out of his contract. If they view Burnett as more than a two-month rental, the Phils may be willing to make a more attractive offer to the Jays.
Anyway, here's a look at Burnett's career numbers. Would you want to see the Phils acquire him? If so, how much would you be willing to give up?
Discuss. I'll be back later with my thoughts.
2 comments:
I have no problem acquiring Burnett, it all depends on the price. His out clause is a concern, but given the personalities in the Phils clubhouse (seemingly fun, relaxed to an extent from an outside point of view) I would think he'd be interested in staying. Hopefully he'd be willing to shed the knocks on his attitude by not going free agent for more $$. Although he may not see a better deal than what he has in place.
Back to the price. I would HOPE Carrasco and Marson are untouchable. Giving up one of the 3 AA OF'ers are OK, but Toronto will probably want an arm. Perhaps Savery? Good hype on him but the injury issues may be an obstacle. Maybe Outman...or Cardenas for another position player, Chase is locked in....
Just my thoughts...
I am warming up to Burnett, as our other options have faded, but I am hoping his 5+ ERA this season is a blip and not a new trend. I would think we might be able to get him for less than it would have taken for Sabathia or Harden. Given our catching position right now, I say no to Marson…but I wouldn’t rule out Carrasco or Golson. If we only had to give up one of those two plus a younger prospect in Clearwater or Lakewood (except for Cardenas), then I say that’s a great deal…especially if Burnett doesn’t opt out.
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