From Buster Olney, earlier this evening:
Garrett Jones is, in fact, the guy NYY want in any Burnett deal with the Pirates,but PIT not interested in moving Jones. No traction so far.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 9, 2012
Yankees know they will have to eat a huge portion of $35 million owed to Burnett in any deal — maybe in $25m to $27m range.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 9, 2012
If I may speculate a little, what I’m guessing is happening right now is that the Yankees have determined that they’re going to have to eat a huge chunk of cash to get rid of Burnett, so they’re likely offering to eat a little more in exchange for getting some value out of the trade.
If the Pirates and Yankees are at an impasse, it’s likely not over Garrett Jones because I can’t figure out where Jones would be an upgrade over what the Yankees have. Instead, the Yankees are likely buying some time and letting everyone know that they’re willing to eat even more of Burnett’s salary than initially expected to a team that’s willing to give them something in return.
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