Cards offer Burnett 4/40mil (like we been saying all along)

[so0perspam]

This just in:
According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs could make a serious run at A.J. Burnett after losing out on Rafael Furcal.
Well, he's probably a better hitter than Neifi Perez, but can he really play shortstop? The Cardinals and Blue Jays appear to be the top suitors for Burnett at the moment, though the Mets, Nationals, Rangers and Mariners could also be in the running. Dec. 4 - 5:27 pm et


Think they have a shot?

[Morrison8312]

Cubs eh? That would mean Prior, Zambrano, Burnett, Rusch, Maddux, Wood? I highly doubt they go after him. They really should go after Damon

[j_d_mcnugent]

the cubs scare me a little because i think they are crazy enough to guarantee the fifth year.

by the way, if they signed burnett, they might trade wood. rumor going around they migh offer wood, todd walker, and maybe other stuff for soriano and mench.

[BronXBombers51]

I have a gut feeling the Cubs will give him 5 and he'll sign. Prior, Burnett and Zambrano will make a dangerous pitching staff if they can stay healthy. That's a big bang/bust type of rotation. Throw in Maddux and a decent top of the order bat and they might have a little something going next year.

[Pedantic]

Dammit, Burnett, go to the American League already.

[wrveres]

by the way, if they signed burnett, they might trade wood. rumor going around they migh offer wood, todd walker, and maybe other stuff for soriano and mench.

now thats a trade I can see truly happening.
Texas has had wood for Wood for any number of seasons ..

[j_d_mcnugent]

walton has been known to jump the gun from time to time but here is his latest

Burnett Deal Almost Done


By Brian Walton

Date: Dec 4, 2005

Cardinals General Manager Walt Jocketty delayed his trip to the Winter Meetings in Dallas. The reason is reportedly to meet Burnett.

An unconfirmed but reliable source has informed me that free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett has agreed to terms with the St. Louis Cardinals. It is believed to be a five-year guaranteed deal, the approval of which by Chairman and General Partner Bill DeWitt was apparently the final step.

General Manager Walt Jocketty has reportedly delayed his original Sunday departure for the Winter Meetings in Dallas due to the Burnett situation. Our belief, yet to be confirmed, is that Burnett is en route to St. Louis late Sunday night or Monday to complete his physical, the passing of which is a contingency to complete the deal.

More details, hopefully to provide final confirmation, will be posted here as we learn more.

Brian Walton can be reached via email at mailto:brwalton@earthlink.net.

http://stlcardinals.scout.com/2/474652.html

[wrveres]

walton has been known to jump the gun from time to time but here is his latest

Burnett Deal Almost Done


By Brian Walton

Date: Dec 4, 2005

Cardinals General Manager Walt Jocketty delayed his trip to the Winter Meetings in Dallas. The reason is reportedly to meet Burnett.

An unconfirmed but reliable source has informed me that free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett has agreed to terms with the St. Louis Cardinals. It is believed to be a five-year guaranteed deal, the approval of which by Chairman and General Partner Bill DeWitt was apparently the final step.

General Manager Walt Jocketty has reportedly delayed his original Sunday departure for the Winter Meetings in Dallas due to the Burnett situation. Our belief, yet to be confirmed, is that Burnett is en route to St. Louis late Sunday night or Monday to complete his physical, the passing of which is a contingency to complete the deal.

More details, hopefully to provide final confirmation, will be posted here as we learn more.

Brian Walton can be reached via email at mailto:brwalton@earthlink.net.

http://stlcardinals.scout.com/2/474652.html

called it ..
I said he would sign in STL by sunday

[mweir145]

Yeah, I figured he might turn down the Jays' offer (which I assume was about 10-11 million for 5 years), I wonder if he took a paycut to play in St. Louis, we'll see.

[j_d_mcnugent]

i'd like to see another source confirm it before getting too excited. i am curious if its a guaranteed fifth year as walton says or some sort of vesting option. yesterday the rumor was $ 8 mil (2006), $ 10 mil (2007), $ 11 mil (2008), $ 11 mil (2009), $ 12 mil (2010) or $ 3 mil buyout. 5th year option vests based on innings pitched.