Notes On Byrd, Burnett, Sosa

Today’s hot stove happenings:

Ken Rosenthal reports on the Cubs’ interest in A.J. Burnett.  This confirms our assertion from November 18th:

"It’s sounding more and more like the Cubs will come up with another starter to add to the stable.  Then they’ll deal from that depth to acquire an outfielder.  GM Jim Hendry may be more inclined to make a big splash with A.J. Burnett than give a lot of money to Washburn.  Unlike last season when he had to get Sammy Sosa off the books, Hendry will act early and often.  The Cardinals’ interest in Burnett may motivate Hendry to make a better offer to the starter."

Speaking of Sosa, the Mets are mentioned as a suitor for the outfielder.  The opinion here is that Sosa has nothing left, and is three years older than his listed age of 37.  Only a foolish team desperate to allocate its free agent budget somewhere, anywhere, would take a chance on Sosa.  I’m predicting the Kansas City Royals sign him as a PR move.

In yet another Rosenthal scoop, the Indians nabbed Paul Byrd for two years and $14.25MM.  There’s a club option for the third year.  We first reported the Tribe’s interest on November 29th.  Byrd should provide decent value at what’s become the going rate for a middle-of-the-rotation starter.  The fallout:  the Angels will have to bring in a name pitcher if Jarrod Washburn also leaves town.  I think he will, and the Angels kicking the tires on Erik Bedard, Livan Hernandez, and Jason Marquis.

The Mets moved quickly on Paul LoDuca, giving up one of their best remaining pitching prospects.  Juan Pierre remains the last man standing, and the Marlins haven’t been waiting around to ditch their expensive players.  Pierre should be gone as soon as the Fish find a team desperate enough to part with a top-notch prospect.  The feeling here is that that team will not be the Yankees.      

Thanks to Jerry and Alex