George King of the New York Post chatted with A.J. Burnett’s agent Darek Braunecker recently. Braunecker says Burnett does not want the free agent process to drag all winter if he does opt out. Burnett has a list of teams he does not want to play for, and the Yankees aren’t on it.
King notes that the Nationals were the only team besides the Blue Jays to offer Burnett five years back in ’05. This year King sees the Yanks, Red Sox, and Orioles in the mix. Burnett’s preference to be close to his Maryland home could be a factor. A few of other eastern teams that may be looking for pitching include the Braves, Mets, and Phillies.
