December 12, 2008 The Yankees have signed A.J. Burnett to a five-year, $82.5 million deal, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.
Our View:That's nearly $245 million that the Yanks have spent on starting pitching in less than a week. The Braves will have to look for another option with Burnett off the market.
December 12, 2008 The Yankees are optimistic about landing free agent A.J. Burnett, but the Braves may have matched their offer (five years, $80MM), according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View:It is speculation that the Braves may have matched the offer, as it has not yet been confirmed. As of yesterday, the Yankees were the frontrunners for the prized free agent hurler.
December 11, 2008 Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports confirms that the Yankees are leading the race to land free agent A.J. Burnett.
Our View:As previously mentioned, the Yankees offered him a five-year deal for $85 million, which is currently Burnett's best proposal.
December 11, 2008 The Yankees' five-year deal on the table for A.J. Burnett is said to be worth $85 million, according to ESPN.
Our View:That is $5 million more than the Braves' offer, and the Yankees' proposal is near what Burnett is seeking financially.
December 11, 2008 The Daily News reports that the Yankees and A.J. Burnett's representatives will work into the night on finalizing a five-year deal for the pitcher.
Our View:A number of teams have reportedly made offers to Burnett, but it appears the Yankees are the front runners at this point.
