A.J. Burnett once was a promising part of a winter windfall of free-agent signings by the New York Yankees. Now, he's on his way to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Yankees agreed in principle Friday to send Burnett to Pittsburgh for two low-level, minor-league players. Additionally, New York will receive $13 million toward the right-hander's remaining $30.375 million salary through 2013.
A person with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed the deal pending authorization from the commissioner's office because of the money exchange. Burnett also has to pass a physical.
Signed as a free agent, along with CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira during the winter of 2008, Burnett went 13-9 with a 4.04 ERA as the Yankees won their 27th world championship. But in the two seasons since, he has combined for a 21-26 record and a 5.20 ERA.
The Yankees will acquire right-handed reliever Diego Moreno and Exicardo Cayones, left-handed-hitting outfielder.
With their savings, the Yankees are expected to quickly pursue a left-handed designated hitter - with Raul Ibanez high on the list. New York also is said to be interested in re-signing Eric Chavez.
Burnett, 35, had a right to veto deals to 10 clubs. That list was heavy with West Coast clubs, because of the family's desire to remain in the East.
During the drawn-out process, talks with the Angels were thwarted by his veto power. The Yankees were interested in exchanging Burnett for Bobby Abreu,.
Phil Hughes and Freddy Garcia are expected to battle for the fifth slot in the rotation.
Boston: Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, 45, is retiring after 17 seasons with the Red Sox. The right-hander signed as a minor-league free agent in April 1995 and went 186-168 with a 4.43 ERA with Boston. Only Roger Clemens and Cy Young had more wins (192) with the team.
Wakefield is first in team history with 3,006 innings and 430 starts, and second in games and strikeouts. For his career, Wakefield was 200-180 with a 4.41 ERA. He was 7-8 with a 5.12 ERA last season. He won two World Series championships in Boston.
"There were a few seasons I didn't know if I was coming back, but I kept coming back and proving myself year after year," Wakefield said. "I was fortunate enough to play 17 years here. It's been a great one. I've been very blessed."
New York Mets: Johan Santana threw off a mound in Port St. Lucie, Fla., after a 4 1/2-month break as he tries to make it back to the major leagues for the season opener. Santana has not pitched in the majors since surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder Sept. 14, 2010.
Oakland: The Athletics have strong interest in slugger Manny Ramirez. The sides could reach agreement as soon as a few days or sometime next week. He would sign for slightly more than the league minimum of $480,000.
He first must serve a 50-game suspension. ASSOCIATED PRESS
