At long last, GM J.P. Riccardi and his Toronto Blue Jays have finally reached a deal worth $55 million over 5 years with Free Agent SP A.J. Burnett. In the end, it was between the Blue Jays and St. Louis Cardinals. But, the Cards failed to offer Burnett a 5th year, which could have changed his mind. Many other teams were interested but either didn’t want to put that kind of money on the table, or didn’t appeal to Burnett. In seven years with the Florida Marlins Burnett posted a 3.73 ERA with a mediocre 49-50 record in 854.2 innings pitched.

Most think that the sole reason why, one, the Blue Jays offered such a big contract, and two, why Burnett accepted it is because of the presence of former Marlins, now Blue Jays Pitching Coach Brad Arnsberg. A.J. took a liking to Arnsberg when they were in Florida together. I, myself, believe that if Arnsberg was not a part of the Jays’ organization they would have pursued him but Burnett would sign elsewhere.

The 29 year old pitcher was both inconsistent and injury prone in his seven year stint with the Marlins. He has had a winning record twice in his career, once being in 1999 when he only started 7 games. His career best ERA was 3.30 in 2002, undesputibly his best season where he posted a 12-9 record in over 200 innings pitched with over 200 strikeouts, the only time he posted that park in his career. His career high ERA was 4.79 in 2000 where he only started 13 games, although his highest ERA in a season in which he pitched in over 20 games is 4.05 in 2001.

With the signing of Burnett Toronto’s starting rotation becomes even more crowded with nine reasonable candidates for spots. Most who don’t make it will have a spot in the bullpen. Dustin McGowan, on the other hand, will have to compete even for a spot in the Jays’ bullpen. The logjam in the rotation would in turn, create a logjam in the bullpen. The Blue Jays also have up to five up and coming pitchers in the organization, all of which are natural starters.

So, who is disposable? SP Roy Halladay, newly signed closer B.J. Ryan and Burnett are untouchable. Former closer Miguel Batista and SP Ted Lilly are both on the trading block. J.P. will most likely want to keep Lilly but will definitely be shopping Batista, who blew 8 of his 37 save opportunities last year with an ERA of over 4. The Jays’ will want a legitimate power hitter, probably a corner outfielder, to bolster their weak lineup. Texas’ OF Kevin Mench is a prime candidate to be acquired. Riccardi will not be shopping the other, but will definitely listen to offers.

At this afternoon’s news conference Burnett and his agent made it clear that he wanted to come to Toronto. His agent said that at the beginning of this process (10-12 weeks ago) Toronto was at the top of the list of where A.J. wanted to go. Burnett also said “I’m glad I’m not down there (Florida) any more…” He went on to say that he didn’t want to be in the fire sale situation but was grateful of them for giving him a chance at the beginning of his career. According to J.P. Riccardi if Burnett was older he would not have pursued him. Blue Jays President and CEO Paul Godfrey also stated that the 2006 payroll, with the signing of Burnett, should be approximately $75 million.

I like this signing, despite the $55 Million pricetag. Burnett will bolster the Jays rotation as a solid 2nd starter. Although, I don’t believe that he is worth double figures. If Burnett does get injured they have Lilly and in the future, one of their pitching prospects to fill in. Both Burnett and the team made it clear that they are both glad to have reached this agreement.