Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Cards keep their sights on Burnett
11/28/2005
The dash to Dallas sparked with the first real pyrotechnic contracts of this free agency season, as the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets signed closers to contracts worth a combined total of $90 million on Monday. The signings continued the rich market for relievers.And probably caught the eye of a frugal club focused on pitching.Such as, for example, the Cardinals.With the winter meetings beginning next Monday in Dallas, the Cardinals continue their courtship of several pitchers - including the ace of the market, righthander A.J. Burnett.
A starter, Burnett already has at least a couple of five-year offers, and the list of pursuing teams remains eight or nine long. As he fields offers, three pitchers helped shape the market price by signing multi-year deals Monday: Closer B.J. Ryan reportedly received $47 million over five seasons from Toronto, closer Billy Wagner $43 million over four from the Mets and starter Esteban Loaiza a reported $21 million over three from the Athletics."I could anticipate some movement, movement from some clubs, and we could see things pick up in the next few days," said Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker. "I don't anticipate things being finalized (with any team), but that could be one phone call away. It's difficult to speculate on that."Braunecker declined to discuss any specifics related to his discussions with the Cardinals about his 28-year-old client except to say the Cardinals remain one of the teams still solidly in the mix.Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty did not return messages left Monday. It is his usual practice not to comment on specific free agents, in particular those he is interested in or actively pursuing.Toronto, fresh from splurging for Ryan, also is in the derby for Burnett and San Diego's free-agent outfielder Brian Giles, another perceived target of the Cardinals. Giles' agent, Joe Bick, said after talks with the Padres ended last week that he "doesn't think anything will happen there." Joining Toronto, the Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly interested.Bick said it's been nearly two weeks since he heard from the Cardinals and there have been "certainly more aggressive teams." That can always change with a phone call, he cautioned.That the Cardinals remain in the tight hunt for Burnett indicates the scope of their interest in the righthander, who went 12-12 with the Florida Marlins last season. Gifted with a plus-95-mph fastball, Burnett is considered the gem of the available starters. His wish for a five-year deal has been widely reported and that the Cardinals still are in talks may indicate their willingness to shape an inventive deal into that mold.Burnett's agent declined to comment about that possibility.Looking at DotelAs the market for relievers was rolling, the Cardinals had discussions over the weekend with the agent for Octavio Dotel. Dan Horwits said it was "kind of a discussion of parameters."Dotel, 32 and a year removed from 36 saves in 2004, is recovering from surgery on his right elbow. The Cardinals are eyeing him as a setup reliever for closer Jason Isringhausen. Dotel is seeking a one-year contract, laced with incentives.Dotel pitched in 15 games for Oakland in 2005.Horwits has a packet with medical information about Dotel's surgery and rehab, and he said the Cardinals have spoken with the doctor who performed the surgery. Dotel, who reportedly also is being wooed by Texas, Atlanta, the New York Yankees and several others, is expected to be ready to throw on or shortly after opening day.
Source: http://www.stltoday.com/
The dash to Dallas sparked with the first real pyrotechnic contracts of this free agency season, as the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets signed closers to contracts worth a combined total of $90 million on Monday. The signings continued the rich market for relievers.And probably caught the eye of a frugal club focused on pitching.Such as, for example, the Cardinals.With the winter meetings beginning next Monday in Dallas, the Cardinals continue their courtship of several pitchers - including the ace of the market, righthander A.J. Burnett.
A starter, Burnett already has at least a couple of five-year offers, and the list of pursuing teams remains eight or nine long. As he fields offers, three pitchers helped shape the market price by signing multi-year deals Monday: Closer B.J. Ryan reportedly received $47 million over five seasons from Toronto, closer Billy Wagner $43 million over four from the Mets and starter Esteban Loaiza a reported $21 million over three from the Athletics."I could anticipate some movement, movement from some clubs, and we could see things pick up in the next few days," said Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker. "I don't anticipate things being finalized (with any team), but that could be one phone call away. It's difficult to speculate on that."Braunecker declined to discuss any specifics related to his discussions with the Cardinals about his 28-year-old client except to say the Cardinals remain one of the teams still solidly in the mix.Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty did not return messages left Monday. It is his usual practice not to comment on specific free agents, in particular those he is interested in or actively pursuing.Toronto, fresh from splurging for Ryan, also is in the derby for Burnett and San Diego's free-agent outfielder Brian Giles, another perceived target of the Cardinals. Giles' agent, Joe Bick, said after talks with the Padres ended last week that he "doesn't think anything will happen there." Joining Toronto, the Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly interested.Bick said it's been nearly two weeks since he heard from the Cardinals and there have been "certainly more aggressive teams." That can always change with a phone call, he cautioned.That the Cardinals remain in the tight hunt for Burnett indicates the scope of their interest in the righthander, who went 12-12 with the Florida Marlins last season. Gifted with a plus-95-mph fastball, Burnett is considered the gem of the available starters. His wish for a five-year deal has been widely reported and that the Cardinals still are in talks may indicate their willingness to shape an inventive deal into that mold.Burnett's agent declined to comment about that possibility.Looking at DotelAs the market for relievers was rolling, the Cardinals had discussions over the weekend with the agent for Octavio Dotel. Dan Horwits said it was "kind of a discussion of parameters."Dotel, 32 and a year removed from 36 saves in 2004, is recovering from surgery on his right elbow. The Cardinals are eyeing him as a setup reliever for closer Jason Isringhausen. Dotel is seeking a one-year contract, laced with incentives.Dotel pitched in 15 games for Oakland in 2005.Horwits has a packet with medical information about Dotel's surgery and rehab, and he said the Cardinals have spoken with the doctor who performed the surgery. Dotel, who reportedly also is being wooed by Texas, Atlanta, the New York Yankees and several others, is expected to be ready to throw on or shortly after opening day.
Source: http://www.stltoday.com/
