Pirates acquire A.J. Burnett from the Yankees

Burnett is a pretty well-known pitcher, as he was a Yankee and also has had some remarkable seasons in years past. He performed at a low level last year, and the Yankees decided they did not want him in their rotation. They have been shopping him, and even had a deal set for him to go to LA to play for the Angels, but he invoked his no-trade clause, as he apparently had no desire to play for the Angels. He must have expressed interest in going to Pittsburgh, because the Pirates and Yankees agreed to a deal sending him to Pittsburgh yesterday. Barring anything shocking, the pitcher will be a Pirate soon enough.

This is a good deal for the Pirates. Although they are paying a LOT compared to what they would normally pay a player, the Yankees are still paying 20 million of the 33 million left on Burnett's current deal. And the Pirates only had to give up two prospects, prospects who I would name but none of you would care, as they are not even in the top 20 of the Pirates' current prospects.

This deal is great for two reasons: the first is that despite Burnett's relatively poor pitching last year, he will be facing completely different lineups this year while playing for Pittsburgh. What is even better for him is the fact that Pujols and Fielder are both out of the NL Central. He will be facing lineups with less sluggers and can hopefully be a solid pitcher for the Pirates. This is also good for the Pirates from a P.R. perspective. It will get fans excited about Burnett and will remind them of how well the Pirates were playing last season. Hopefully it will fill the seats and generate excitement for the Pirates this year that rivals that of last season and gets the city to support their baseball team like they did 20 years ago.