Reilly
02-09-2005, 05:00 AM
A.J. Burnett
Marlins
Interested - Marlins
Feb. 8 - After watching former Marlins teammate Carl Pavano navigate free agency, A.J. Burnett is looking forward to his turn next winter, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports. "We'll talk, but as far as I'm concerned I'm pretty much going to test the waters if I have a healthy season," Burnett told the newspaper. "Free agency looks like a fun time."
Burnett, who will make $3.65 million this season, has told the Marlins he wants terms similar to what was offered to Pavano (three years, $21 million). The team reportedly countered with $16 million for three years.
Florida is being cautious because it wants to see how Burnett holds up for a full season following surgery on his pitching elbow in 2003 which caused him to miss the first few months of 2004.
"I was hoping for the best but expecting the worst," Burnett, 28, told the Miami Herald regarding his desire for a long-term deal. "It would have had to be exactly the right number. Hopefully, when I start off 9-0, they'll bring me another contract. But I don't see myself signing long-term here (before the season ends). I have a chance to do something that Carl did (four years, $39.9 million with the Yankees)."
Marlins
Interested - Marlins
Feb. 8 - After watching former Marlins teammate Carl Pavano navigate free agency, A.J. Burnett is looking forward to his turn next winter, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports. "We'll talk, but as far as I'm concerned I'm pretty much going to test the waters if I have a healthy season," Burnett told the newspaper. "Free agency looks like a fun time."
Burnett, who will make $3.65 million this season, has told the Marlins he wants terms similar to what was offered to Pavano (three years, $21 million). The team reportedly countered with $16 million for three years.
Florida is being cautious because it wants to see how Burnett holds up for a full season following surgery on his pitching elbow in 2003 which caused him to miss the first few months of 2004.
"I was hoping for the best but expecting the worst," Burnett, 28, told the Miami Herald regarding his desire for a long-term deal. "It would have had to be exactly the right number. Hopefully, when I start off 9-0, they'll bring me another contract. But I don't see myself signing long-term here (before the season ends). I have a chance to do something that Carl did (four years, $39.9 million with the Yankees)."