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01-07-2005, 04:48 AM
Marlins consider long-term deal for Burnett
By Joe Capozzi
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 06, 2005
A.J. Burnett hasn't had a close relationship with the Marlins' front office the past two years. That's why the right-handed pitcher was surprised to learn that Florida wants him in its long-term plans.
Already working on a multiyear offer to catcher Paul Lo Duca, the Marlins have broached the idea of a multiyear contract for Burnett.
The discussion between Assistant General Manager Mike Hill and Darek Braunecker, Burnett's agent, on Dec. 20 was informal and did not include specifics.
"He asked me if we'd be receptive to discussion of a multiyear deal, which we told him we're open to any discussion,'' Braunecker said Wednesday. "I anticipate talking to them by the end of the week.''
Burnett and Lo Duca are among five players eligible for arbitration. The others are right-handed starter Josh Beckett and right-handed relievers Guillermo Mota and Tim Spooneybarger. The formal filing period started Wednesday and ends Jan. 14, with hearings Jan. 31-Feb. 19.
Chances are that the Marlins will reach deals with all five without going to a hearing. Lo Duca was told last summer that the team wanted to sign him to at least a two-year deal after the 2004 season.
But Burnett thought he might be traded; it was one of the hottest rumors at baseball's recent winter meetings. Although the Baltimore Orioles and Arizona Diamondbacks remain interested in Burnett, the Marlins won't part with him unless they get a premium player.
Burnett, who is eligible for free agency after the 2005 season, might command a contract the Marlins can't afford. The Marlins could offer a backloaded or incentive-driven deal. But that's something Burnett might not accept, given his history of criticizing the front office.
Burnett, 28, made $2.5 million in 2004, his first year back from Tommy John surgery. He went 7-6 with a 3.68 ERA in 19 starts. He was shut down for two weeks in September because of elbow pain but returned for the team's final game Oct. 3 with two scoreless innings in relief.
Without a multiyear deal, he would make about $3.8 million in arbitration for 2005, based on what right-hander Carl Pavano made last year in his final arbitration season.
Burnett is expected to be Florida's No. 1 or 2 starter in a rotation with Beckett and left-handers Al Leiter and Dontrelle Willis.
The Marlins have until Saturday to work out a deal with free-agent right-hander Ismael Valdez for the fifth spot.
If Florida doesn't offer Lo Duca a multiyear deal, he could make about $6 million in 2005 after making $4.06 million last year.
Beckett, who made $1.5 million in 2004, could get $2.5 million in 2005.
By Joe Capozzi
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 06, 2005
A.J. Burnett hasn't had a close relationship with the Marlins' front office the past two years. That's why the right-handed pitcher was surprised to learn that Florida wants him in its long-term plans.
Already working on a multiyear offer to catcher Paul Lo Duca, the Marlins have broached the idea of a multiyear contract for Burnett.
The discussion between Assistant General Manager Mike Hill and Darek Braunecker, Burnett's agent, on Dec. 20 was informal and did not include specifics.
"He asked me if we'd be receptive to discussion of a multiyear deal, which we told him we're open to any discussion,'' Braunecker said Wednesday. "I anticipate talking to them by the end of the week.''
Burnett and Lo Duca are among five players eligible for arbitration. The others are right-handed starter Josh Beckett and right-handed relievers Guillermo Mota and Tim Spooneybarger. The formal filing period started Wednesday and ends Jan. 14, with hearings Jan. 31-Feb. 19.
Chances are that the Marlins will reach deals with all five without going to a hearing. Lo Duca was told last summer that the team wanted to sign him to at least a two-year deal after the 2004 season.
But Burnett thought he might be traded; it was one of the hottest rumors at baseball's recent winter meetings. Although the Baltimore Orioles and Arizona Diamondbacks remain interested in Burnett, the Marlins won't part with him unless they get a premium player.
Burnett, who is eligible for free agency after the 2005 season, might command a contract the Marlins can't afford. The Marlins could offer a backloaded or incentive-driven deal. But that's something Burnett might not accept, given his history of criticizing the front office.
Burnett, 28, made $2.5 million in 2004, his first year back from Tommy John surgery. He went 7-6 with a 3.68 ERA in 19 starts. He was shut down for two weeks in September because of elbow pain but returned for the team's final game Oct. 3 with two scoreless innings in relief.
Without a multiyear deal, he would make about $3.8 million in arbitration for 2005, based on what right-hander Carl Pavano made last year in his final arbitration season.
Burnett is expected to be Florida's No. 1 or 2 starter in a rotation with Beckett and left-handers Al Leiter and Dontrelle Willis.
The Marlins have until Saturday to work out a deal with free-agent right-hander Ismael Valdez for the fifth spot.
If Florida doesn't offer Lo Duca a multiyear deal, he could make about $6 million in 2005 after making $4.06 million last year.
Beckett, who made $1.5 million in 2004, could get $2.5 million in 2005.