Starting Pitcher: Five Years of A.J. Burnett?
Last week, the Cubs offered free-agent Ryan Dempster a four-year deal worth roughly $40 million, which he turned down, according to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com.
Today, at FoxSports.com, Rosenthal reports 
the two sides are discussing a new four-year deal, ‘now worth slightly more than $50 million.’
Similarly, at SI.com, Jon Heyman says the Cubs and Dempster are making progress in talks to keep the pitcher in Chicago.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays are preparing a similar four-year, $54 million deal for free-agent A.J. Burnett, reports MLB.com.
However, the Yankees are prepared to offer Burnett a five-year deal, worth roughly $80 million, according to George King in the New York Post.
King also reports the Yankees may soon offer a contract to free-agent Derek Lowe, who will draw interest from the Dodgers, Red Sox, Mets, and Rangers as well.
…Update…1:45 pm…
According to Dan Graziano of the Star Ledger, the Cubs and Dempster have agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal.
