Yankees preparing offer for Burnett: reports

The New York Yankees are preparing a big-money pitch for free-agent hurler A.J. Burnett, according to reports.

Citing "several industry insiders," the New York Post said on its website Tuesday that the Yankees are building a potential five-year, $80-million US offer for Burnett, who opted out of the final two years of his contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

A report in Newsday said the offer was a four-year deal worth much less than the $80 million alluded to in the Post. Newsday also reported the Boston Red Sox are interested in Burnett.

The right-hander, who turns 31 on Jan. 3, went 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA for the Blue Jays last season. He led the American League with 34 starts and 231 strikeouts, and made $12 million. Burnett was slated for the same salary in the final two years of his deal with Toronto.

The Yankees are looking to make a big splash in free agency after missing the playoffs for the first time since 1993. On Friday, they reportedly offered prized lefty CC Sabathia a six-year, $140-million contract.

Burnett's price may have gone up Tuesday when the Chicago Cubs inked Canadian righty Ryan Dempster to a four-year extension worth $54 million. The versatile native of Gibsons, B.C., went 17-6 with a 2.96 ERA in 33 starts last season after saving 28 games for the Cubs in 2007, but is generally considered inferior to Burnett.

Reports late last week said the Blue Jays were ready to offer Burnett a four-year, $54-million deal. Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi may find himself unable to match a higher offer as he has been told the club won't increase its payroll, which was $97 million last year.