Burnett To Opt Out...

While America is waiting to see if Barack Obama or John McCain will become our next president, one of the worst kept secrets in baseball will become life in a bit and it involves A.J. Burnett...

from ESPN.com: Right-hander A.J. Burnett will opt out of his multiyear contract with the Toronto Blue Jays and declare free agency, his agent said Tuesday.

Agent Darek Braunecker said he's filed the necessary paperwork with the players' association and that Burnett will be opting out of the final two years of his five-year, $55 million contract. Burnett had two years and $24 million left on the deal.

"It's just a formality," Braunecker said from the general managers' meetings in Dana Point, Calif. "We're going to continue dialogue with [the Blue Jays]. But this is the formal exercise that allows us to talk to other people on A.J.'s behalf."

Burnett, 31, posted an 18-10 record with a 4.07 ERA for Toronto this season and established career highs with 34 starts and 221 1/3 innings pitched. He's expected to be seeking a four- or five-year deal for at least $16 million annually on the open market.

It looks like A.J. was good enough and also healthy at the right time to get the chance to make even more money -- however, I still think you have to take a cautious approach with this guy.

His numbers may look good -- but he's got a dubious record for injury and his career has been up and down. He might be a good fit for the Orioles -- however, at $16 million year?

No, for that money, I'll pass.