R.J., J.A., J.C. -- Could A.J. Be Next? Don't get your hopes up yet
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R.J., J.A., J.C. -- Could A.J. Be Next? Don't get your hopes up yet
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
The Blue Jays view the Phillies as one of the top potential landing places for righthander A.J. Burnett, but the Phillies would have to overcome major concerns about his contract and performance if they were to swing a deal. At this point, those concerns would seem to outweigh their desire to add a top-of-the-rotation pitcher, at least at the current asking price. Sources say the Blue Jays are high on Phillies prospects Greg Golson, Lou Marson, and Jason Donald. But the Phillies are reluctant to part with a package of their bigger name prospects - particularly Marson - for a pitcher who has been shelled in his last two outings and has had questions about has attitude.
Oh yeah, then there is that contract: it has an opt out after this season, so if he pitches well, he could easily test the free agent waters. And if he implodes and decides not to opt out, there are still two years at $12 million per remaining.
From what I've heard, if you were asking me to handicap the odds of acquiring Burnett, I'd put them at 40-60 right now. There's a chance the Phillies might just be playing hard to get, but they seem to think their odds of adding a "B-List" guy are more likely than adding someone like Burnett.
What are the chances Lou Marson makes it up here before the playoff roster deadline?— Philip Levitsky- Despite the hype and all the talk, Burnett IS a B-List guy, IMO. The guy is and always has been unrealized potential, GREAT STUFF, nominal performance... Charlie said he would like another bat, and the prevailing feeling seems to be that the only room for one is at catcher, but is there any chance the Phils try to swing a deal for Adrian Beltre? Seattle appears to be dumping anything not named Ichiro, Beltre may come a little cheaper than he should due to prior injuries, sub-par performance in Seattle, and a big contract (all things that could scare the Phillies off), but he would be, IMO, a substantial upgrade over Pedro Feliz, and a guy you could consider batting between Utley and Howard to provide a real boost to the middle of the order, also pushing the Jenkins/Werth platoon back to 7th in the order, which I think is a little more appropriate for what they give you offensively.— acerulli
- I'm not convinced Burnett is an A-List pitcher either. If the Phillies had a history of turning around pitchers and getting more out of them than other teams I'd consider it, but that's just not the case. We need proven aces who are locked and loaded but there just aren't many of them around. And Lou Marson should be on our very short untouchable list. Oh, and Adrian Beltre? No thanks!— xfactor
- I think the Phillies would be crazy to give up Golson, Marson or Carrasco for Burnett. It's tough when your talking about potential when your 30+. Some say Donald projects to a utility guy, so that may be more reasonable. I am afraid that AJ would be 1 good start, 2 bad, and the fans would be all over him.— RichNC
- I think the Phillies would be crazy to give up Golson, Marson or Carrasco for Burnett. It's tough when your talking about potential when your 30+. Some say Donald projects to a utility guy, so that may be more reasonable. I am afraid that AJ would be 1 good start, 2 bad, and the fans would be all over him.— RichNC
- I would not part with the top group esp Marson--Jaramillo seems to have lost favor and I would trade if needed--but when he is ready Marson is thought by those who follow Reading to be the real thing and improving--Donald as a middleinfielder is blocked by Rollins and Utley--so to be more available although I think they want to try him at 3rd--Carrasco --no way for anyone--Burnett has way too many issues--his contract and health too much for me--proved aces are not going to be traded unless money an issue--so look for a Lohse --you in these days have to grow your own pitchers of the Hamels type--unless you have Yankee type money to spend— kokomo
- I would not part with the top group esp Marson--Jaramillo seems to have lost favor and I would trade if needed--but when he is ready Marson is thought by those who follow Reading to be the real thing and improving--Donald as a middleinfielder is blocked by Rollins and Utley--so to be more available although I think they want to try him at 3rd--Carrasco --no way for anyone--Burnett has way too many issues--his contract and health too much for me--proved aces are not going to be traded unless money an issue--so look for a Lohse --you in these days have to grow your own pitchers of the Hamels type--unless you have Yankee type money to spend— kokomo
- I'd consider moving Golson for Burnett - anyone else (Marson, Carrasco, Adrian Cardenas) is untouchable, at least for a Burnett deal. While I want to keep Carrasco, I could be persuaded to move him, particularly for Bedard (so long as he’s got a clean bill of health). Burnett doesn’t wow me, so a move for him him.— tjc
- keep the prospects just start Happ— jonnyB
- keep the prospects just start Happ— jonnyB
Comment removed.- don't give way your three ifs (mneaning "what if") for their one big if. Seems to me that Toronto should be wanting to get out of this Burnett deal and therefore if should not take so much to get it done.— mwilgus
- You know what? The Phillies haven't done to bad with their last "B List" choices. First there was Moyer and Lohse last year. Too bad we couldn't hold on to Lohse.— roque32
- I don't think Burnett has the man meat to pitch in Philly.— Beef69
- Comment removed.
