From
George A. King III:
According to multiple sources, the Yankees and Pirates are nearing a deal that would send A.J. Burnett to the Pirates for two marginal prospects. Pittsburgh would absorb $13 million to $15 million of the $33 million Burnett is owed this season and next.
"It will happen this weekend,'' a person familiar with the deal predicted. "Probably Saturday.''
The Pirates initially offered to pay $10 million, but the Yankees then demanded a significant prospect if they were going to pick up $23 million for a pitcher not on their team.
As for those two prospects, here's the details from
Andrew Marchand:
The Yankees got two players from the Pirates who more than likely will never see the Bronx and, if they do, it will be as bit players. We went into detail about who Diego Moreno is here and Exicardo Cayones is here. These aren't top prospects, but, in the case of Marino, the Yankees are hoping they can straighten out his attitude and maximize his talent. But the guy is already 25 and has barely pitched at Double-A. Cayones is young, just 20, so he has time to develop. In other words, don't hold your breath waiting for these guys.
Adios, AJ. Thanks for game 2 of the '09 series.
