The New York Yankees acquired third baseman Chase Headley in a trade on Tuesday which proved to be a huge upgrade to the offense when he got the game-winning hit against the Texas Rangers. That was a necessary move before the trade deadline, but the Yankees cannot afford to ignore the growing need for a starting pitcher. After losing four starters since the start of year, getting at least one more starting arm is a necessity, but is proving harder than expected.
Brian Cashman told the media that the Yankees biggest issue right now is a starting pitcher. While there is a chance that Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda return before the late-season playoff run, CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova are gone for the year and players like Chase Whitley who cannot last into the fifth inning are simply not getting the job done. A trade must happen, but who?
According to ESPN.com writer Jerry Crasnick, AJ Burnett is emerging as an option for the Yankees. The Philadelphia Philles are setting up to essentially sell the house this trade deadline and the veteran could be one of the pieces moves. Burnett's contract allows him to be dealt to nine teams in the league with the Yankees being one of them.
Burnett is working off a two-year deal set to earn $7 million this season and $7 million next season before becoming a free agent. His contract would be ideal for the team to pick up compared to other pitchers possibly available. Burnett might be 37, but he is certainly not slacking at the moment. He has a 4.08 ERA with the Phillies, but has proven to be a reliable arm this year. His familiarity with the Yankees organization could make this an easy deal.
Right now, the Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to get involved in acquiring Burnett. However, Crasnick writes that the pitcher parted with the organization on bad terms and has no intentions of going back. While this deal could be a lock if Philadelphia likes the trade package, Burnett would prefer to be sent elsewhere.
Interest in Burnett comes after deals for Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels were denied. In Lee's no-trade clause, the Yankees are listed as a team he cannot be sent to. Lee has never liked the Yankees after he accused a fan of spitting on his wife. The Phillies are denying Hamels is available which might be a good thing considering his contract goes until 2020.
