Yankees supposedly sign AJ Burnett; 5 years $82.5M

Source: Burnett, Yankees agree on deal

By Jerry Crasnick
ESPN.com

Free agent right-hander A.J. Burnett has reached preliminary agreement on a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the New York Yankees, a baseball source told ESPN.com.

While Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker are still negotiating final contract terms, the deal is expected to be complete once Burnett passes a physical exam, the source said.

Burnett, who turns 32 in January, will join CC Sabathia at the top of a revamped starting rotation in New York. The Yankees agreed to terms on a seven-year, $161 million contract with Sabathia earlier this week.

The Yankees made a late charge to beat out the Atlanta Braves for Burnett, who went 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA in 35 starts with Toronto this season. New York is still looking for one more starter, and Cashman left the winter meetings in Las Vegas this week to meet with long-time Yankee Andy Pettitte.

More at link - http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3765754

A.J. Burnett looks like Carl Pavano with a longer track record. I hope I'm wrong, though.

of the New York sports media.

Don't let the 18-10 record impress you. The ERA over 4 is the more telling stat.

Sid