Posted by: Erik Seybold
According to the New York Posts' Joel Sherman, the Phillies were interested in right-hander AJ Burnett. Even though the interest was late, the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates decided to commence the trade. On Friday afternoon, the Yankees traded Burnett to Pittsburgh in exchange for two minor-league players. Along with the prospects, the Yankees will receive $13 million in relief from Burnett's remaining $30.375 million salary that lasts through 2013.
Burnett, who signed a five-year, $82.5MM deal with the Yankees in 2008, had the right to veto deals to any 10 clubs he wanted with his limited no-trade clause. Burnett vetoed a deal that could have potentially sent him the the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
There is no word if Burnett vetoed a possible deal to Philadelphia.
Sherman tweeted:
"#Phillies did indeed show late interest in Burnett, planned 3-way to move Blanton elsewhere, believing AJ was better than Blanton #Yankees"
If moving Blanton was the case to bring Burnett to Philly, than we caught a break. A huge break. Burnett went 11-11 with a 5.15 ERA in 32 starts with the Yankees last season. In his three seasons in New York, Burnett totaled a 34-35 record with a 4.79 ERA. Joe Blanton, who has been a Phillie since 2008, has a 26-15 record and a 4.43 ERA in a Phillies uniform.
Thanks, but no thanks.
As of now, the Yankees are in pursuit of Raul Ibanez to fill their DH position. The 39 year-old was not given a new contract after the 2011 season, and it seems "very likely" that Ibanez will be a Yankee this season.
As for Burnett, it's a good thing Ruben Amaro Jr. didn't finalize anything.
Erik Seybold is a Contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
