Marlins have talked to 6 teams about Burnett

[missionhockey21]

Trade talks heat up

The Marlins have reportedly talked with six teams about a possible A.J. Burnett trade.
BY KEVIN BAXTER

DETROIT - The Marlins have stepped up efforts to shop right-hander A.J. Burnett and are reportedly in trade discussions with at least six teams about deals that would net Florida a top reliever in return.

The Chicago White Sox are believed to be the team most aggressively pursuing the pitcher, who will become a free agent after the season. But the Baltimore Orioles have also renewed attempts to woo the Marlins, offering a package centered on reliever Jorge Julio, while the Toronto Blue Jays entered the sweepstakes this week.

The San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have also been mentioned as possible trade partners.

''We're sensing that, based on the interest conveyed through the media, that there are a lot of suitors,'' said Darek Braunecker, the player's agent.

Baltimore, which has been talking with Florida for some time about Burnett, has taken 24-year-old right-hander Daniel Cabrera (7-7, 4.90) off the table, instead offering 20-year-old Hayden Penn, a minor-leaguer who went 2-2 with a 6.75 ERA in seven big-league starts earlier this season. But they are willing to part with Julio (2-2, 4.24, a former closer whom the Marlins reportedly covet, as well as a left-handed-hitting outfielder, probably Larry Bigbie (.262, 4 HR, 17 RBI).

The Blue Jays might be the most intriguing option because Burnett (5-5, 3.33) has made no secret of his desire to be reunited with former Marlins pitching coach Brad Arnsberg, now with Toronto. The Blue Jays are willing to deal closer Miguel Batista, a former Marlin, but he's owed more than $6 million on a contract that runs through 2006. Burnett will make about $1.8 million the rest of this season.

The Marlins are also exploring several trade options that don't involve Burnett in an effort to shore up their leaky bullpen. They are known to be among four teams -- the others being Texas, Atlanta and the Chicago Cubs -- talking with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays about All-Star closer Danys Baez, who could be expendable now that Tampa has signed former Cubs closer Joe Borowski. They have also expressed interest in Kansas City left-hander Jeremy Affeldt, who made two trips to the disabled list this season with a strained groin, and might pursue the Colorado Rockies' Jay Witasick, a nine-year veteran who was released last fall by the San Diego Padres.

Click here for the article (registration required)

[missionhockey21]

AJ is way too valuable to trade off for a reliever. The Marlins have pitchers who could fill in the rotation and do a decent job but Burnett has been a ace this season. If they deal him though, it should be for a great SP prospect. This is a team that needs to thrive off of their farm if they want success, I am sure they have other pieces to use to get a reliever or two.

[Porter]

I still think the Marlins should give the Mariners a call...if they want a Closer....we have Everyday Eddie to deal.

[realmofotalk]

C'mon, DePo...get A.J. to complement Penny in the rotation!

Atlanta doesn't have any good relievers in their bullpen to offer. Plus, Florida and Atlanta are still battling each other in the playoff race, so count Atlanta out.

[General]

Trade him! TRADE HIM! To the AL!

[awefullspellare]

Burnett + Cabrera = Sheffield is stupid.

[Halladay_is_God]

the rumours i been hearing for the blue jays/marlins is something like this

Right now the deal looks to be something like:

Toronto trades:
Gustavo Chacin
Migeul Batista
(maybe Catalanotto)

Florida trades:
AJ Burnett
Mike Lowell
(possibly Juan Encarnacion)


i would love it if AJ came to the jays this season and have a Halladay and Burnett 1-2 punch in the rotation but the jays want AJ to agree to sign an extenison before getting him, so that could stand in the way

[The Philly Fanatic]

The Marlins just love to dump payroll. One of the constants in life.

[Porter]

They have to get fans in the seats for that constant to stop but no one in south florida likes baseball. They whine about not having teams then they get 2 and dont support them. The Marlins have won 2 freaking WS and they still dont get respect. I like that deal if the Jays get Burnett to go with Halladay. They are only 5.5 games back and they could make some noise.

[Kingdom]

It's unfortunate they can't get Cabrera off the O's. Getting him, Julio, and maybe Bigbie seems to be by far the best package.

[General]

The Marlins should move.

[realmofotalk]

Danny Cabrera is inconsistent, Julio can't close a barn door, and Bigbie puts up 4th outfielder numbers.

[Providence A's]

The Marlins just love to dump payroll. One of the constants in life.

True, but in this century that strategy has led to more World Series Championships than the "spend as much money as you can" strategy

[Halladay_is_God]

latest rumour i heard is
Gustavo Chacin
Brandon League
Gabe Gross

for

AJ Burnett

[Fishercat]

The Marlins better do one of two things

A) Get something nice for him. At least a prospect like Hayden Penn that could turn into an all-star down the road and another nice prospect/player
or
B) Trade him to the Sox for Alan Embree!