Report: Braves to offer Burnett five years

Have the Braves taken the lead on free agent A.J. Burnett?

The New York Daily News reported this morning the Braves are preparing a five-year contract offer to free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett.

The New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Philadelphia Phillies have been rumored to also be interested in Burnett. Some reports have had those other teams hesitant to offer more than a four-year deal.

Burnett is considered the second best pitcher on the free agent market behind C.C. Sabathia. The Braves are looking for an ace pitcher, and Burnett would definitely fill that role if signed.

The soon-to-be 32-year old right-hander led the American League in strikeouts last season with 231. He was 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA. Burnett pitched seven shutout innings against the Braves back in June as Toronto won 1-0. Burnett walked four and struck out seven and allowed only four hits in that game.

Atlanta would like to have Burnett join Javier Vazquez, who will be acquired from the White Sox later today.


Bill Shanks hosts The Braves Show Talk Show, The Atlanta Baseball Show on 680 the Fan in Atlanta, and The Bill Shanks Show on SportsRadio 105.5 the Fan in Macon. He is the author of Scout's Honor: The Bravest Way To Build A Winning Team. You can email Bill at .