Toronto Blue Jays Wiretap

Jays Exercise $2.5M Option On Barajas

The Blue Jays on Friday exercised a $2.5M option on catcher Rod Barajas, rewarding the 33-year-old after he batted .249 with 11 homers and 49 RBIs last season, according to an Associated Press report.

Via AP

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Burnett To Decide On Opt-Out by Monday

Blue Jays' starting pitcher A.J. Burnett is expected to decide whether to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract by Monday, when the Major League Baseball general managers' meetings begin.

"For us to participate in the general managers' meetings on behalf of A.J. Burnett, we would have to make a determination [on the opt-out clause] to allow me to do my job," agent Darek Braunecker said. "That would give us time to gather information from clubs that we believe are truly interested in A.J. and that he would have an interest in playing for."

Burnett has until fifteen days after the World Series to make a decision. The pitcher signed a five-year, $55 million contract with Toronto in 2005, and has two years and $24 million left on the deal.

Via ESPN

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Burnett May Not Want To Be A Yank

Rumors are starting to spread that A.J. Burnett doesn't want to pitch in New York for the Yankees.

However, Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker, has denied the rumors.

"That is 100-percent wrong," Braunecker said. "If he does indeed opt out of the deal [with Toronto] he will see if the Yankees are interested."

Burnett, who went 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA and fanned 231 in 2211/3 innings for the Blue Jays this past season, can opt out of the final two years of his contract following the World Series.

Via New York Post

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