The news yesterday was that the Braves are getting ready to offer A. J. Brunett a five year deal, just what he wanted.  I’ve read a few posts sounding the alarm about Burnett getting away from the Yankees.  Call me crazy but I think this is good news for Yankee fans. 

Why?   Because:

1.) He’s been on DL 10 times in 10 years due to various arm issues
2.) Only 2 injury free season his entire career
3.) He was 10-8 in both 2006 and 2007
4.) This sends him away from the AL East

While free agent pitching talent is scarce this year, don’t get too hung up on Burnett going somewhere else, specially another division… it may be a blessing in disguise.

Speak Out: Yankee Fan Forum

The Yankees have made it clear with their record breaking offer that they want C.C. Sabathia as their ace left hander. While it seems like a great strategy today, you have to wonder if there might be health problems with C.C down the road.

He’s 28 now, and nearly 300 pounds. He’s a huge man playing a position that puts a tremendous amount of stress on the body… in particular the legs and back. I think it’s fair to ask… how long will his body hold up to the rigors of MLB pitching? If I was going to invest $140M in a player I would wants some answers.

If he remains the same dimensions that he is now, will he still be able to give you 6 or 7 solid innings when he’s 31, 32, 33? To me it’s a big question mark. Yes the Yankees need starting pitching, yes he is the best in the free agent group right now. But will he be able to maintain his health as his body ages and the toll of pitching wears on him? If it was my $140M I would want to see him lose 50 or 60 pounds.

Speak Out: Yankee Fan Forum

MLB.com reports that the Yankees may not make Burnett an offer if he insists on a five year deal.  I can’t say I blame them.  While I think he’s the better choice compared to Lowe and Peavy, he doesn’t come without concerns.  The biggest concern with Burnett is health, considering he’s been on the disabled list 10 times in 10 years due to various arm issues.   He’s only had 2 injury free season his during his career.  Yes he was 18-10 last year but the two prior seasons he was 10-8.  I don’t think he’ll get 5 years from any team. The Yankees are wise to wait him out.

Speak Out: Yankee Fan Forum

Here are my predictions for off season signings of a few free agents.   OK..  these are just wild ass guesses… partially wishful thinking.

C.C. Sabathia – Yankees.  I know I changed my prediction but I don’t care.  The Yankees will offer him enough money that he won’t be able to refuse.   He’ll buy a private jet so he can visit his new house in Cali on off days.

A.J. Burnett – Blue Jays. Ricciardi works a deal to keep him up in Toronto.

Ben Sheets- Yankees. But he will be hurt half the season.

Derek Lowe – Red Sox. A sweet home coming for the ex-Bo Sock.

Jake Peavy- Yankees. Hope he can handle the NY pressure.

Mark Teixeira – Yankees. Even though the uni looked good on him and LAA have the dollars, they will blow their wallet on C.C. in the off season leaving “Tex” to take over for the “Giambino”.  I just hope the Red Sox don’t get him… they can offer him a better chance at the post season.

Carl Pavano – Yankees. Cashman decides not sell in a down market and he invests more into his position on Pavano.  Pavano then blows out his knee while playing badminton with his kids in February, of course after looking tremendous is winter workouts.

Andy Pettitte – Yankees. He’s said he wants to come back.  Unless Hank does something stupid like offer him a Minor League contract as a Spring Training “wait and see”, Andy will be on the hill in the new yankee stadium next season.  He’ll take a cut in pay to finish his career in pinstripes.

Mike Mussina – Yankees. He’ll sign a one year deal.  Big mistake Mike, go out on top dude.  Retiring after a 20 game winning season is a great thing.

Jason Giambi – A’s. A one year deal.  He’ll finish his career where he started.

Barry Bonds – Who cares. I heard the Newark Bears want him.

Yes.. I know, I have the Yankees picking up six of the 11 players listed.   I’m probably wrong about most but we shall see…  to be continued

:: Donnie23