NEW YORK — The New York Yankees reeled in another pitcher with a rich offer, reaching agreement with free agent A.J. Burnett on a $82.5 million, five-year contract Friday.
CC Sabathia and the Yankees made a deal for $161 million over seven years on Wednesday during the winter meetings. After missing the playoffs following a 13-year run, the Yankees again showed they were more than willing to shell out big bucks for pitching.
Burnett’s agreement, which averages $16.5 million annually, was confirmed by the office of his agent, Darek Braunecker. The pitcher still needs to take a physical before the deal is completed.
“I can sense the excitement and the confidence that’s spreading around the entire organization about what we’re getting done and what we may get done still,” Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner said earlier Friday, before Burnett’s decision became known. “A rising tide lifts all boats, and the confidence and the excitement right now among the team and the organization is contagious.”
Burnett joins a rotation that also includes holders Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain. New York is hoping to re-sign Andy Pettitte and has looked at Ben Sheets as an alternative.
“I think it has the makings of a great offseason, and clearly our players do, too,” Steinbrenner said.
Burnett won 10 of his last 12 decisions and finished 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA for Toronto. He set career highs in wins, strikeouts (231) and innings (221 1-3).
After the season, the 31-year-old righty opted out of his $55 million, five-year contract with the Blue Jays and became a free agent. He had two years and $24 million left on his deal with Toronto.
Burnett has done especially well against AL East rivals Boston and the Yankees. He went 3-1 with a 1.64 ERA in five starts against the Yankees this year; he is 5-0 lifetime vs. the Red Sox.
Burnett, however, has been plagued by injuries over the years and has made several trips to the disabled list with elbow and shoulder troubles. He was fine this season and made a career-best 35 starts.
Notes
Oakland and Bowen agree to deal
OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland Athletics have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with backup catcher Rob Bowen. Bowen was on the major league roster all season but played in just 37 games in 2008 as the backup to rookie Kurt Suzuki.
Clement agrees with Blue Jays
TORONTO — Former All-Star right-hander Matt Clement agreed Friday to a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays and was invited to spring training. He went 13-6 with a 4.57 ERA in 32 starts in his All-Star season in 2005 with the Boston Red Sox. Clement has not pitched in the majors since 2006 because of shoulder problems.
Indians not done with Wood deal
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians have Kerry Wood’s medical records. They just aren’t saying whether they like them. The club was internally discussing the results of Wood’s physical and had no word Friday on whether they’ve reached agreement with the free agent closer on a contract. The Indians offered Wood a two-year deal worth about $20 million earlier this week in Las Vegas. It includes a third-year option. General manager Mark Shapiro said the club was still working toward a deal. He is expected to have an update during a teleconference today.
Former A’s player charged
AUSTIN, Texas — Former Oakland Athletics first baseman Troy Neel has been charged with fleeing to a tiny South Pacific island to avoid paying about $725,000 in child support. The 43-year-old Neel, who used to live in Austin, has been out of the country since he was ordered in 1998 to pay $5,000 a month for his son and daughter, according to an indictment unsealed Thursday. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said Neel owes $724,325, the largest amount of back child support owed in Texas in recent years. Neel played for Oakland from 1992 to 1994 and also played in Japan and Korea before purchasing a 16-acre resort island in the Republic of Vanuatu, where he has lived since 2000.
White Sox agree with Viciedo
CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox agreed to a $10 million, four-year contract with Cuban infielder Dayan Viciedo. The 19-year-old Viciedo played three seasons with Villa Clara in the Cuban League, batting .296 with 32 home runs and 123 RBI in 233 games.
Gaudin, Cotts agree with Cubs
CHICAGO — Right-hander Chad Gaudin agreed to a $2 million, one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs and left-hander Neal Cotts accepted a $1.1 million, one-year deal. Gaudin was acquired from Oakland as part of a six-player deal on July 8 that also brought Rich Harden to Chicago. Cotts went 0-2 with a 4.29 ERA in 50 relief appearances last season — his second with the Cubs.
Arizona reaches deal with Lopez
PHOENIX — Free-agent infielder Felipe Lopez and the Arizona Diamondbacks finalized their $3.5 million, one-year contract. The 28-year-old Lopez has spent eight seasons in the majors and split this year between Washington and St. Louis. He batted .283 with six homers and 46 RBI in 143 games.
D-Backs acquire Schoeneweis
NEW YORK — The New York Mets traded left-hander Scott Schoeneweis to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Schoeneweis went 0-3 with a blown save and a 5.40 ERA in September. New York agreed to pay $1.6 million of Schoeneweis’ $3.6 million salary for 2009 and acquired right-hander Connor Robertson from the Diamondbacks.
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