SportingNews.com Burnett Opts Out
A.J. Burnett told the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday that he will opt out of the remaining two seasons of his $55 million, five-year contract. The pitcher will forfeit $24 million and can file for free agency. His contract called for a $6 million signing bonus, a $1 million salary in 2006 and $12 million in the remaining seasons.
Daydream bereaver? -- The Hardball Times
With the arrival and early mashing of Blue Jays’ uber prospect Travis Snider, it’s hard not to wonder if he’s ready for the big time. Granted, we’re dealing with a minuscule sample size at the major league level and let’s not forget that the Jays had a late season call-up in Adam Lind in 2006 when the 22-year-old batted .367/.415/.600 in 16 games only to need a lot more seasoning. Snider will be 21 next season and it’s not unheard of for players to be major league ready at that age.
Just a little Chatter today, simply because the last few times out, I sorta went on a bit of a vent, and I don't want this column to be that type of thing. Unless warranted of course. I realize that not a lot of people are actually reading this yet, but one day when I am King of California, my daily Chatter will be forced reading. Much in the way Los Dodger fans must read Bill Plaschke.
Torture?
call it what you will ..
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I was a fan of Jesse Litsch this spring, and even had him on my keeper league, amongst others. Looking at his game log from last season, Litsch was the model of consistency, and he rarely walked anybody. Litsch even had an amazing run this season of 5 or 6 games in a row with out walking a batter, almost Greg Maddux like. I think he might even own the Blue Jays record now.
Regardless, if you still own him, it is time to cut bait, even if the Blue Jays can't. Since MLB has an unbalanced schedule, Litsch will be facing a heavy dose of Red Sox , Yankees and Rays bats this August and September.
I have a plan on how to help fix he Dodgers.
Wait, don't panic, this isn't one of those columns where a blinkered fan suggests acquiring A-Rod in return for a backup catcher and a bag of balls.
I think these proposed moves make sense and could well happen - qualities which are not often found together as the trading deadline approaches.
It figures that the Baltimore Orioles see the value here, being a championship club and all. Eckstein, 33, is hitting .273 with one home run and 18 RBIs in 198 at-bats. Don't mind those 18 RBI's, he was a two time All Star a decade ago. He is a gamer! Baltimore knows whats up.
I got a suggestion for JP Riccardi.
Greene is a gamer with a strong workman like attitude about him. He has an excellent glove up the middle, a little pop in his bat, and his split's suggest he needs out of Petco Park real bad. Oh yeah, did I mention he is economically signed for next season at the low low price of .... $6.5 Million.
Now no way Sandy Alderson approves such a thing, Burnett just makes too much money, and to be honest the friars don't really even need Burnett. But I would love nothing more that to see Kahlil Greene packing his bags. I have about had it with that guy.
Sure this whole scenario sounds crazy, but not as crazy as the Toronto Blue Jays actually trading Burnett for a scrub shortstop.
Why do they need a short stop anyways? they have David Eckstien. He has World Series experience. 
Hmm, Barry Zito, Hampton, Sexson, Giambi ..
BJ Ryan?
Once Frank Thomas publicly ripped the Toronto management after news of his greatly reduced playing time, the Big Hurt's stay with the team was never going to end happily.
Even so, I was surprised the Jays cut him loose so quickly, proving Thomas right when spoke of the benching as a way of avoiding the $10m option for next season kicking in after a certain number of plate appearances.
