A.J. Burnett signs one-year deal with the Phillies

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Here’s something that could lessen the blow of Cole Hamels missing a few starts this April. CSNPhilly.com’s Jim Salisbury confirms the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with right-hander A.J. Burnett.

The Phillies apparently won a bidding war against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles to acquire Burnett’s services. He bolsters a starting rotation that was looking unproven at best after Hamels and Cliff Lee at Nos. 1 and 2.

The deal is said to be for $16 million.

Burnett posted a 10-11 record, 3.30 earned run average, and a National League-best 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings with the Pirates in 2013. His solid 1.35 ground ball to fly ball last season ratio should play well at Citizens Bank Park.

He is 37-years-old, which is a concern and means he should fit right in the clubhouse. Despite more jokes about age though, there’s absolutely no harm in giving Burnett one year and attempting one last run at the playoffs with this core.

>> Source: Phillies agree to deal with A.J. Burnett [CSN]

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