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Darek Braunecker, representative for free agent A.J. Burnett, told the Baltimore Sun yesterday that the Orioles are now one of six teams firmly in the mix for the right-hander's services.
Burnett, 18-10 for the Jays last season and arguably the best pitcher in the marketplace behind CC Sabathia, lives in nearby Monkton, Md.
"There is sincere and mutual interest (with the Orioles)," Braunecker is quoted as saying. "We're not here to waste people's time or our time. We don't need to create a false market for A.J. Burnett."
Also in the hunt are the Phillies, Braves, Red Sox, Yankees (whom the New York Post suggests are preparing a five-year offer for something like $80 million) and the Jays.
Burnett opted out of the final two years of his Toronto contract, leaving $24 million (all figures U.S.) on the table. The Jays have reportedly offered a new four-year deal for $54 million, but GM J.P. Ricciardi says he's made no formal offer.
Braunecker told the Baltimore daily that there is no set timetable or current favourite for Burnett.
BONDS CASE SHRINKS: Three charges against Barry Bonds were dismissed yesterday by a federal judge who left intact most of the indictment alleging he lied to a grand jury when he denied knowingly taking performance-enhancing drugs.
Bonds, baseball's home run king, is scheduled for a March 2 trial. He had faced 14 counts of making false declarations to a grand jury investigating steroid use in sports and one count of obstruction of justice.
His lawyers had asked U.S. District Judge Susan Illston to dismiss 10 of the lying charges, claiming he was asked unclear questions in front of the grand jury in 2003.
Allan Ryan, Star wire services
