Buzz: New Names, Lee and Burnett
Omar Minaya, talking to reporters yesterday from Orlando…
“We’re always looking for a frontline starter, and that’s difficult to do…Teams aren’t willing to give them up unless you really blow them away and give them a lot of players.”
Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi recently told ESPN.com that he is willing to entertain trade offers for RHP A.J. Burnett, who may opt out of his contract with Toronto after next season.
In his nine-year career, the frequently-injured Burnett has started at least 30 games in a season just once. Yet, in 177 career starts, he is 69–66 with a 3.76 ERA, having struck out nearly one batter per inning.
…i could see the Mets being interested…burnett will likely cost a pitcher in return, but as long as the jays are freed of his money i am not sure the price in talent will be all that much…
Burnett, 30, will earn $12 million this coming season, but has o-trade protection against 15 teams.
Meanwhile, according to Mark Hale in the New York Post, the Mets have talked to the Devil Rays during the GM Meetings, but not about LHP Scott Kazmir.
…my guess is on talks involving either Dan Wheeler, Al Reyes or Edwin Jackson…jackson is 24, a fallen prospect with a quick arm and arbitration eligible this off season…while wheeler and reyers are two relief pitchers who were of interest to many teams, including the Mets, during last year’s trade deadline…
Meanwhile, in Newsday, Ken Davidoff reports that Minaya had dinner last night with Indians GM Mark Shapiro.
According to Davidoff, citing ‘a person familiar with the team’s thinking,’ Minaya and Shapiro intended to speak about potential matches in a deal for pitching.
Davidoff rules out the Mets acquiring C.C. Sabathia, Fausto Carmona or Jake Westbrook, meaning a likely option could be LHP Cliff Lee.
Lee, 29, will earn $3.75 million next year and $5.75 million in 2009. His team will hold an $8 million option for 2010.
Last season, Lee got bumped from Cleveland’s starting rotation, then was demoted to Triple-A after starting the season 5–8 with a 6.38 ERA. However, he won 14, 18 and 14 games in each of the previous three seasons, while compiling a 4.50 ERA.
