Comments on: A.J. Burnett Rumors: Tuesday

By: Ian Rothermund

Ian Rothermund — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:26:00 +0000

I cannot say that I agree with you. Ultimately it just depends on who the guys are that they trade. We can all sit here and cry and complain at the idea of sending “prospects” away. But in reality, a week from now we could be sitting here saying, well, ya know I’m not gonna miss Calvin Anderson, or some other nothing, barely-able-to-be-called a prospect, prospect.

I’m not saying that I couldn’t be disappointed in the end myself, but from what they’ve talked about thus far, I don’t expect the Bucs to give away anything legitimate that would actually warrant any amount of ire from the fanbase.

Just have to wait and see though

By: Todd Smith

Todd Smith — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:09:00 +0000

Um, scroll up and actually read the article.

By: Tim Williams

Tim Williams — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:08:00 +0000

The Indians are out of the race, per the Cleveland media.

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:57:00 +0000

Bottom line is that they should have extended Maholm. I would rather pay Maholm 9M than trade prospects and get Burnett for 7M.

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:56:00 +0000

Um, yes, there are others, Indians are now a player b/c we drug our feet on a measly 3M.

By: Ian Rothermund

Ian Rothermund — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:31:00 +0000

So does everyone still think that time will kill this deal and leave NH looking like an ass? It seems as time goes on that the Pirates are the only option that the Yankees have, not just the best. Sometimes you have to slow play the competition, and realize who needs whom more. Identifying the desperate party is a key to maximizing your return.

Fortunately for once, it seems as though the Buccos aren’t the ones exuding that desperation.

By: Ian Rothermund

Ian Rothermund — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:25:00 +0000

I think that’s really just highlighting the fact that you can’t always lock down those guys in the middle rounds, even if you throw money at them.

When you’re talking about Capuano and Baker, for instance, it makes perfect sense that they didn’t sign. If my son was coming out of high school and got drafted that late, I’d tell him to take it as an honor, and take your free education, because guys like that are still getting serious offers. I don’t think there are many ball players that regret taking the college route, it’s just a matter of, can the team that drafted you make a deal you can’t refuse.

Bell, for instance, would have been the biggest idiot on the planet not to take 5 million on principle alone. Now he has that sitting in the bank, and if it doesn’t work out 4 or 5 years from now, the interest alone will more than pay for a fine education wherever he’d like.

Signing when you’re drafted in the 40th round, on the other hand, is for those guys that misspelled their names on the SATs. Idk, I suppose I’d always recommend the education unless the money’s right. I think there are very few guys that end up regretting that choice. If you could make through the first couple of years in the low minors where the prep guys go first anyhow, you’ll likely be able to succeed in D-1 or JC. Then, 2 or 4 years down the road, there’s a good chance you’ll have a bigger pay day, and you got the education…..and the college girls, lol.

By: Nate

Nate — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:38:00 +0000

I’m still kinda surprised that NO names of the prospects have been leaked/dropped/bandied about.
BTW: I was messing around on Baseball Reference in the draft section. I went to “All Active Players” that the Bucs have drafted. I had no idea we drafted the following (but failed to sign): Chris Capuano/ 45th round/1996; Scott Baker/36th rd/2000; Stephen Drew/11th rd/2001; Jeremy Guthrie/3rd rd/2001; Lonnie Chisenhall/11th rd/2006

Chisenhall would look great at 3rd about now and Pedro (or Smoak) would have been at 1st from the get-go.

By: James S

James S — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:24:00 +0000

I like that they are using the Derek Lowe situation as reference point.

Also, it’s pretty unbelievable, looking back to 2008, that Derek Lowe, then at the age of 35, was signed to a 4 year, 60 million dollar contract by the Braves. (and Burnett is a better pitcher).

That is at least twice as much money, back in 2008, as what the Pirates would be paying Burnett in 2012-13, even if they cover their maximum of 15 million for the next 2 years.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:44:00 +0000

This speaks more about the BMTIB than anything else. Neil should have had a realistic deadline to get it done. If not, walk away. I love the Kiner reference!