A,J, Burnett will be returning to Pittsburgh on a one year contract worth 8.5 million,which isn't cheap,but doesn't look as hefty as the 12.75 million option that Burnett could have exercised to stay with the Phillies.
Burnett took the lower paycheck (somehow I feel pretty good that his bills will get paid though) to return to Pittsburgh after turning a Pirate offer last off-season down to spend 2014 on the eastern side of Pennsylvania.
Burnett went 16-10 in 2012 with an ERA of 3.51,but pitched even better in 2013 with all of his numbers improving except for wins.
Burnett wanted a sizable raise and got it from the Phillies on a one year deal with a mutual option (which both declined) and a lower player option (which as noted Burnett declined).
Burnett lost a league leading 18 games as a Phillie and his numbers increased as well,although I attribute some of that to the more hitter friendly park in Philadelphia.
Burnett did continue to show his durability as he again pitched over 200 innings and despite his 37 years of age,looks to be a reasonable bargain in a return to a pitchers park that he has had success pitching in the past in,.
A very reasonable contract for both Burnett and the Pirates made this deal as a cost effective contract from the Pirates point of view and one that Burnett might be able to build upon for another one year deal from the player's side of things.
Occasionally,a contract works out that just makes sense for both sides of a negotiation,
The Pirates needed a workhorse to slot into the rotation,A.J. Burnett wanted to give himself the best possible chance to finish his career on both a contender and in a town that he is comfortable being in even at a lower paycheck.
On the surface,it is a winning deal for both side and I'd feel pretty good about bringing in along with the cost of A.J. Burnett.
Back later with the Devils against the Capitals and with some luck,the Cavaliers in Boston....
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