The recent discussions about AJ Burnett have interested me a bit. It seems that the Yanks want a left handed bat and salary relief (?) or they just want to get rid of Burnett.

My proposal; trade S Smith and Fuentes to NYY for Burnett, $25M, and two prospects, to be named later if necessary. Smith and Fuentes have about $8 M of financial obligations; Burnett is owed $33 M over the next two years so the money works out evenly. The Yanks get a useful platoon bat and a useful, if properly used situational lefty. So at least the Yanks should talk.

The A's get an inning eater who might improve out of the spotlight but little else. The real plus would be a couple of Yankee prospects - I looked at hitters like T Austin and M Williams but other names should be considered.

Now, why would the A's be interested; the money would be the same, Smith and Fuentes are not part of the long term plan, Smith (and Gomes) MAY wind up blocking someone we should play and determine if they have a future (Taylor?), and finally the prospects MAY be part of the next good team in a few years.

What do you think?

I realize this probably does not help the team in 2012 but I would really like to see a push toward acquiring young talent and not any more signings (Gomes, Manny, etc) that simply add to the muck and offer no hope for 2015.