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Jays don't want Burnett to walk

SHI DAVIDI

Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 3:44 AM EST 20/09/08

Toronto willing to top up pitcher's contract; Marcum's injury may be worse than initially thought ...Read the full article

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  1. Stevie Dee from Canada writes: Uh huh, another contract year performer gets rewarded.
  2. Ryan Hickman from Canada writes: Agreed Stevie!
    Though with Marcum, McGowan and the rest of the arms on the shelf, the rotation looks suspect at best going into 2009. If Burnett does walk I think the Jays need to get another big arm to fill the hole.
  3. ron from hamtown from the hammer, Canada writes: "Jays don't want Burnett to walk". DUH. Also, can we please stop dumping on players who perform at a very high level and then exercise their contractual rights. Please grow up all you Matts Sundin and AJ Burnett bashers.
  4. J K GALBRAITH from Canada writes: I say let him walk no matter what. He has only performed up to his potential one out of four years. He was an often injured .500 pitcher before the Jays signed him and he continued to be the same type of pitcher with the Jays. This year was the exception not the rule. Ron from hamtown: I don't think people are criticizing him for exercising his contractual rights rather most people are skeptical that the Jays will get value out of an extended contract for him as we did not receive value for his current contract.
  5. Stevie Dee from Canada writes: Ron,

    Me thinks that you miss the point. AJ is a .500 pitcher who has a history of injury. He has done little to warrant big contracts...except show short flashes of brilliance in contract years.

    If you disagree, back up your claim that AJ has performed at a high level in non-contract years. As for Sundin, case can be made either way. He was an 80 point scorer on weak teams that rarely led his team deep in the playoffs and, with the exception of one year, was typically shut down in the playoffs. Personally I like Sundin, and have nothing against either. The price we pay Burnett, though, has not been warranted by the return. Halladay, on the other hand, is a prime example of money well spent.
  6. Stevie Dee from Canada writes: ...and agreed Ryan,

    This great pitching staff has the potential to go south real fast. Too bad, as Cito seems to be getting the bats turned around!
  7. Allan Wexler from Canada writes: You are all missing the point. .500 pitchers these days get over $10M per year (a la Lily) so paying $15M for a career .500 pitcher who may win 20 games is not far off the mark. Who cares what the Jays pay Burnett? The owners can pay what they want as long as they build a good team and Burnett, based on this year is an important cog in that calculation. I say bring him back, and if it doesn't work out, tough luck Mr. Rogers. There's nobody else out there as good who will come for any less. We also need a big bat, as much as anything and that's assuming Aaron Hill can still come back and, perhaps, play shortstop with Inglett at second base. A guy like Carlos Delgado backing up Rios, Wells, Rolen etc, would look good these days. Thanks JP for allowing him to walk for less than $10M. UGH!!!
  8. TeePee Kan from Village of York, Canada writes:
    Let's get real folks; you either play for the team or for your bank. Ain't that what 'sports greed' is all about?

    Since this team is close, let's see what AJB's priorities and personal convictions are really all about. He makes so much money now that it's ludicrous to demand or give more.

    You either wanna be a WINNER on this team or be a greed merchant by any other name.

    Show us what matters in your life AJ!

    Go RAPS Go!
  9. Allan Wexler from Canada writes: TeePee - This is a business for the players and they'd all be crazy if they left millions on the table. Yes, they don't need the extra to survive, but all things are relative and if you could get another 25% increase in your annual salary, you'd be a fool not to consider it, particularly when your period of possible employment is less than 5 more years. AJ should get the most bucks he can muster with the hope that if the Jays are close in numbers, loyalty might play a factor. You are asking AJ to be loyal, but what about the Jays. Shouldn't they be loyal by matching the best offers made to Burnett. I'm sure you would say no, so the issue of loyalty should be off the table.
  10. TeePee Kan from Village of York, Canada writes: Allan Wexler from Canada writes: TeePee - This is a business for the players and they'd all be crazy if they left.........

    Spoken like a true 'greed merchant of sport'!

    SHOW ME THE $$$$$$$$'$ OR i'M OUTTA HERE!

    gO BILLS gO!
  11. Stevie Dee from Canada writes: Allan,

    You're right, it SHOULD be viewed as a business, but I think that only the players view it as such. The fans certainly don't, and the majority of owners don't seem to. Your argument makes sense only if baseball economics supports $10 million a season for a .500 pitcher. I don't know, can the majority of teams (other than the NY or Boston markets) support $60-$100 million payrolls? I guess only Ted can tell us that.

    Personally, my business sense tingles at the thought of paying Burnett $15 mil!
  12. John S from packalunchville, Canada writes: Just a couple thoughts here...
    A number of people have speculated all year long on AJ's problems but the most accurate in my opinion, was the person who said his main problem was between his ears. There seems to have been a change in that regard.
    Still cant believe JP would put an opt out in the middle of a contract. Even if it were 4 years with no opt out it wouldve been better. But JP was also the guy who signed Frank Thomas so,.....
    Doc will be looking for his fair market value in 1 more year so JP has to place a higher priority on that - one would think. I'm thinking around 20 mill/annum.
    JP also has to be cognizant of the fact that if the Yankees or any AL east team signs AJ, not only will he have to make up for losing his 18 (plus?) wins this year, but possibly 5 more losses to the Yankees or whomever.
    As for loyalty, talk to Reed Johnson.

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