Yanks Should Turn To Burnett

The Toronto Star is calling pitcher A.J. Burnett "classless" today. In other words, looks like the Yanks have found an available pitcher! Actually, the news that Burnett - who can opt out of his contract at season's end - is on the trade market is not exactly breaking news. A.J. is 26-22 in 2+ injury-plagued seasons after signing a five-year, $55 million contract with the Blue Jays in 2005. Clearly the mediocre Jays would like to move some of that money and/or acquire an asset in exchange for the pitcher before he leaves for free agency, and it's equally clear that Burnett wouldn't mind the move one bit. "As of right now, I'm a Blue Jay, and I'm going to pitch to the best of my ability as long as I'm part of this club," Burnett told the Chicago Sun Times. "If something were to happen and I'd have the opportunity to go to a place where baseball is breakfast, lunch and dinner, that would be awesome. Right now, my focus is with this club. But if something like that were to happen, I'd accept it with open arms." Burnett was referring to the prospect of a trade to the Cubs, but he could just as easily have been discussing the New York Yankees. With the Jays slipping in the standings, now might be the time to pounce on the hard-tossing righty. His 6-6 record and 4.90 ERA this season is not exactly sparkling, however, despite the slow start, Burnett remains a talented pitcher who - when healthy - will consistently sport an ERA between 3 and 4 while striking out roughly a batter per inning. Now naturally the Jays would be reluctant to deal their pitcher to a division rival, however, I think the Yanks should pursue the pitcher aggressively nonetheless. A pitcher like C.C. Sabathia could cost your team Phil Hughes. A pitcher like Burnett might merely cost you Ian Kennedy. As the rotation stands today, can a Yankee fan argue with that swap?