The momentum for the Yankees and Pirates to complete a deal in which A.J. Burnett would move to Pittsburgh stayed strong last night, though the teams remained apart both on dollars and the type of prospects that would be included.
The Yankees continued to talk to two other clubs about Burnett, but clearly saw the Pirates as the best match for the righty.
Burnett is owed $33 million over the next two years. The Pirates told the Yankees they would pay $10 million — $5 million in both 2012 and 2013 — and give up two prospects. However, the Yankees look at the $10 million as too little and the two prospects currently being offered as not alluring.
The key number, as of last night, appeared to be $13 million. If the Pirates were willing to go north of that, the Yankees would be more amenable to taking on middling prospects. But the Pirates were refusing to budge. They are viewing the Derek Lowe deal from earlier this offseason as a yardstick to follow. The Indians obtained Lowe — like Burnett a flawed, veteran right-hander — from the Braves and agreed to pay $5 million of the $15 million he was owed for 2012.
It was possible the Yankees and Indians could widen the trade as a way to bridge the gap and/or to move a better class of prospect for the Yankees. However, as of last night, the strongest possibility remained that the Yankees would ship Burnett and cash to the Pirates for two minor leaguers who are currently not on Pittsburgh’s 40-man roster.
The Yankees are saying if they do not get what they want they simply will retain Burnett. But with six other starters available without Burnett and with trade talks so public, it would be difficult for the Yankees to bring the righty to camp without causing, at the least, an uncomfortable situation. In addition, the Yankees would like to use a portion of any money saved to complete their roster.
They still would like to add Eric Chavez as third base insurance for Alex Rodriguez plus a lefty-swinging designated hitter with Raul Ibanez the most probable candidate.