MLB Rumors: Philadelphia Phillies still in on signing A.J. Burnett
By Josh Hill
The market for starting pitchers this offseason was set by the deal Matt Garza struck with the Milwaukee Brewers, but one pitcher is a rouge drifter, searching for a deal without the worry of being underpaid for his services. While the likes of Ervin Santana and Ubaldo Jimenez wait for teams to come to them even though there aren’t any, A.J. Burnett is waiting for teams who are indeed seeking him out.
The Baltimore Orioles have had Burnett on their radar — as well as Santana — but the Philadelphia Phillies are in the hunt as well. According to MLB.com reporter Todd Zolecki, the Phillies haven’t pulled out of their pursuit of Burnett and are still very much in the hunt for him.
"The Phillies indicated late last week they did not expect to sign anybody before Spring Training opens Thursday in Clearwater, Fla.But sources said tonight the Phillies are very much still in the running for free agent right-hander A.J. Burnett."
It has been said by the Phillies front office that the team is looking to go into Spring Training with what they have, but considering that Spring Training starts up in a few weeks, adding Burnett after it has started doesn’t seem out of the question for any oft he teams pursuing him.