July 24, 200521 yr From the Chicago Tribune: Deal for Burnett could include McCarthy, Marte By Dave van Dyck Special to the Tribune July 24, 2005 The White Sox, who already have the best pitching staff in the American League, may be close to landing the best pitcher available in the trade market, Florida's A.J. Burnett. With less than a week to go before the trading deadline, the White Sox are in serious discussions about a deal that would net Burnett for minor-league starter Brandon McCarthy and left-handed reliever Damaso Marte, according to industry and team sources. With Baltimore apparently out of the running for Burnett, the White Sox have become the favorite, although Boston remains strongly involved, those sources say. But before the deal can be consummated, two matters would have to be resolved: The White Sox would have to have 72 hours to negotiate a new contract with the 28-year-old Burnett?who can become a free agent after the season. General manager Ken Williams has said he will not give up young players in return for a 60-game "rental" player. While Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker, could not be reached for comment Saturday, one source close to the situation was told Burnett would not sign with the White Sox, even though they have the best record in baseball. The White Sox would need a left-hander to replace Marte in the bullpen, possibly Alan Embree, who was designated for assignment by Boston on July 19 . Other possibilities would be Steve Kline, just released by Baltimore, and Seattle's Ron Villone. Williams would not comment on trade rumors, "because with every word it does injustice to the guys [on the team now] who are out there busting their tails every day. "The component you look for [in the] market is pitching, and our pitching has been solid," he said. It is not clear which starter the Sox would eliminate from their rotation and whether they could trade him. The most logical candidate for demotion is Jose Contreras, who has some trade value, and, in fact, had been mentioned on some rumor mills as going to Florida instead of McCarthy. While one source insisted the Burnett trade was very close to being made, another said money could be an eventual issue. Burnett makes $3.65 million this season and reportedly is seeking a four-year deal worth at least $40 million, a deal similar to that given Carl Pavano, his former teammate, by the Yankees. However, Burnett, who is scheduled to start for the Marlins on Sunday in San Francisco, has a 43-44 career record and is 6-6 with a 3.65 ERA more than two calendar years removed from elbow ligament replacement surgery. The Red Sox are believed to be ready to trade young starter Bronson Arroyo and others for Burnett, a package that may not be as good as the White Sox's, but they may have a better chance of signing him. It is believed neither team is far enough along in negotiations with Florida to ask the commissioner's office for a 72-hour signing window. Recently, with Burnett seemingly headed to Baltimore, with White Sox closer Dustin Hermanson slowed by a sore back and with the White Sox staff leading the league in ERA, talk has been of trading for a reliever. But Williams' theory is to improve as much as he can when he has a chance, and he apparently likes Burnett enough to let go of top pitching prospect McCarthy and that rarest of baseball commodities, a lefty reliever. "I told Kenny as long as I'm manager, I want good pitching," manager Ozzie Guillen said before his White Sox met the Red Sox. "But that doesn't mean Kenny is going get [Roger] Clemens and Burnett. ? These guys have been doing a tremendous job for me, so I can't say we're going to need that because these 25 guys are busting tail for me." Obviously, Guillen and Williams have coordinated their speeches. But, also obviously, they both want to upgrade the pitching staff for a long playoff run. This weekend is a key one for Saturday starter Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez and Sunday starter Contreras, if only because the trading deadline is next Saturday and poor efforts could intensify a search for a starter. "I don't look at it that way," pitching coach Don Cooper said when asked about "key" starts. "I don't put much credence in any of the names thrown around in newspapers, because I'm not smart enough to concentrate on people we don't have. If something were to change, then we would refocus. "Through 95 games, we have the best record in baseball and our starting staff probably matches up good in all of baseball. So I don't think we're in any urgent need of doing anything. Rumors are very interesting, but from my end that's all they are." dvandyck@tribune.com Link I know that today's South Florida papers have mentioned that the Marlins may keep Burnett, but I don't buy it. They know that they have the hottest commodity on their hands. He's going someplace.
July 24, 200521 yr The Sox rotation would be ridiculous if they add Burnett. Buerhle Garland Garcia Burnett El Duque/Contreas
July 24, 200521 yr I can't wait for August 1. Following all the possible trade rumors is like a mouse chasing it's tail. Just wait for a trade to happen, if it happens, and deal with it at that point.
July 24, 200521 yr That jackass reporter said the Orioles released Steve Kline and I got all excited, he is still on the team though.
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