Yankees Land AJ Burnett

The New York Yankees dipped into their oversized wallets yet again and signed pitcher AJ Burnett to a five year contract worth $82.5 million. Last year, the often injured hurler had a great second half. Overall, his record was 18-11 with an ERA of 4.07. For him, it was a great season with many tremendous starts against the Boston Red Sox and his new team. It's a gamble the Yankees are taking though...Burnett rarely pitches more than 200 innings, as he did in '08. Hankie Steinbrenner had this to say after his club picked up its second starting pitcher within one week...

"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," the Yankees' co-chairman told The Associated Press before news of the Burnett deal came out Friday. "A rising tide lifts all boats, and the confidence and the excitement right now among the team and the organization is contagious."

Peter here. Does he mean contagious like the flu? And what's that about a rising tide? Frankly, I do not like that man, and not just because he's an owner of the Yankees. But you have to admit, NY has helped their ballclub bigtime with the signings of CC and AJ. Gee, they almost sound like brothers with their double initials, but they couldn't be less alike. One is a somewhat heavy and very tall Afro-American lefty, the other a slim, blue eyed blond righty. But when healthy, boy, can they pitch! And don't forget the durable Derek Lowe. You know what they say...you can NEVER have enough pitching, and Burnett is often injured or not feeling 100%. Only time will tell, but NY might shell out some more dinero for him. I wouldn't be surprised. Cashman met with Pettitte yesterday (Friday), so HE might be coming back. Clearly, the Yankees' focus is strictly on pitching. That opens the door even wider for the Sox. I can almost guarantee every one of my Constant Readers that Mark Teixeira will be wearing a Boston Red Sox uniform...soon. The sooner the better, new logo or not.

Have a great Saturday and a wonderful weekend. You can click on this post's title for more on the Yankees AJ Burnett deal from the NY Post, and as always, BE WELL. Shalom. L'chaim. Skol. Peace.