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With Sabathia gone, focus on Burnett

Braves, Yankees both reportedly make 5-year offers to right-hander

Image: A.J. Burnett
Winslow Townson / ASSOCIATED PRESS
A.J. Burnett was 18-10 for the Blue Jays in 2008.
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NBCSports.com news services
updated 7:07 p.m. ET Dec. 10, 2008

Now that CC Sabathia has signed with the Yankees, the hot stove might finally start heating up. Things certainly appear to be picking up for A.J. Burnett.

The free agent right-handed starter has reportedly received more than one offer in the wake of Sabathia signing a 7-year, $161 million contract with New York.

According to FOXSports.com, the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday offered Burnett a 5-year, $80 million deal. There was a later report that Yankees also gave Burnett a 5-year offer, trumping the Braves with a total number of $91 million.

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The FOXSports report, which called Burnett the "second-most desirable starter on the market," said that Burnett could benefit from a return to the National League. He started his career with the Florida Marlins.

Burnett has a history of injuries, but was healthy in 2008, pitching 221 1/3 innings while going 18-10 with 231 strikeouts.

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