Braves Set to Move on A.J. Burnett

You thought the Braves were done after unloading some farm system for Javier Vazquez? You're so mistaken. In fact, the Braves are getting set to shore up the rotation even more with another guy not named Jake Peavy, as they're preparing a five-year deal for A.J. Burnett.

Very risky for Atlanta to offer that fifth season to someone as injury prone as Burnett has been. But that not withstanding, a front end rotation of Tim Hudson, Vazquez and Burnett is still more durable than what they started last season with (Hudson, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz). And whatever you think about the haul that Frank Wren gave up for Vazquez (and make no mistake ... it was a haul), the total in prospects in money that Atlanta ultimately shells out for Vazquez/Burnett may not exceed by much what they would have given up to trade for Peavy and to subsequently sign him long term ... even when you throw in the first rounder second rounder (top half first round picks are protected) the Braves would lose as Type A compensation.

So with Burnett being pursued by the Braves, it's one less option for Peavy. If the Cubs ultimately drop out, it looks like he may have to expand his list even more.

Arm Bash: MLB Trade Rumors