‘Going to shock people’
Burnett eager to show off his stuff with the Blue Jays Now Ricciardi steps up talks to bolster hitting
DALLAS— An indication of the bold, new world the Blue Jays are entering with yesterday’s signing of pitcher A. J. Burnett was palpable in the intensity surrounding the questions hurled their way.
There were rapid- fire queries from the media, other baseball executives and fans about whether Toronto is now poised to end the run of eight consecutive first- and second-place finishes by the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the American League East. And more questions about how a mid-range payroll team could commit $55 million ( all figures U. S.) over five years to a pitcher with a sub-. 500 career record and a history of arm trouble.
At day’s end, it was clear the legacy of general manager J. P. Ricciardi will very likely ride on his new No. 2 starter, a muchneeded mound addition who played Toronto and the St. Louis Cardinals against each other before heading north.
“ If we’re closing the gap, that’s our goal,” Ricciardi said on a day when the team also officially confirmed he had been given a contract extension through the 2010 season. “ I think it’s just going to make us a better club.” The Burnett deal includes a limited no- trade clause and an “opt out” provision after the third contract year.
“ I think we’re going to shock a lot of people,” Burnett boldly predicted after flying to Dallas for a late- afternoon news conference.
Ricciardi, who last week shook the baseball world by signing closer B. J. Ryan for five years at $47 million, is now looking for some bats. He spent time talking with the representatives of White Sox free agent Frank Thomas. The Jays and Texas Rangers also kept discussing a deal for outfielder Kevin Mench, with Toronto right fielder Alex Rios now being mentioned in talks, along with pitchers Miguel Bastista and Brandon League.
Rios’ name has also entered into discussions with the Philadelphia Phillies — as have pitchers Dave Bush and Batista — aimed at bringing right fielder Bobby Abreu to Toronto. The Jays continue to express interest in outfielder Brad Wilkerson of the Washington Nationals, although that club is said by sources to view Batista as a “ last resort” and would prefer Rios and a younger arm.
“ Maybe now, we’ll be taken seriously,” Jays manager John Gibbons mused after the Burnett deal was reached early yesterday morning following the Cards’ refusal to go higher than four years and $44 million. “ You want the pressure to have to perform. On paper, yeah, we’re better. But you’ve still got to go out and do it.” The Jays need hitting to “ do it” and Burnett’s presence means they can deal some of their younger pitchers. They have also structured Burnett’s contract to provide added flexibility on their $75 million payroll for next season. Toronto will pay Burnett $ 1 million in salary and a $6 million signing bonus in 2006 — allowing him a tax break and shaving $4 million off what Toronto would have paid by averaging his salary over five years.
Burnett will get $ 12 million annually in the remaining four years and, at the start of each season, is allowed to list 15 teams to which he can’t be traded. Sources close to the deal also confirmed reports that Burnett has a type of “ opt- out” clause that can be triggered after the third contract year. That same clause was also sought from the other teams —
St. Louis, Washington, Texas and Seattle — who were bidding for his services.
Burnett had some trying times with the Florida Marlins last season — getting sent home for insubordination with a week left in the season — and wanted contract protection, although he maintained he was thrilled to be joining Toronto.
“ The people I met there, it’s just one big family and that’s what I wanted to be a part of,” said Burnett, who passed a morning physical conducted in Florida by Toronto team doctor Steve Mirabello. That “family” went to Burnett’s agent, Darek Braunecker, weeks ago seeking out his previous medical records and getting a release to speak to Dr. James Andrews, the renowned surgeon who performed “ Tommy John” elbow surgery on Burnett two years ago.
Burnett’s career record of 4950 with a 3.73 earned- run average will be debated by those who believe Toronto has overpaid a pitcher for a second time in eight days.
“ It’s going to be a lot more than 49 wins, that’s for sure,” Burnett pledged when asked what more he could bring to the Jays other than what he’s previously shown. “I’m one to accept a challenge and not run from it.”