AJ Burnett to the Pirates?

Rumors Rumors............... They are flooding the internet about A.J. Burnett and a possible trade to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Quite obvious why the Yankees want to deal this inconsistent starter. Very hard to fit seven starters into a five man rotation.

Looking at the rumored trade of Garrett Jones to the Yankees, for AJ., no way this will happen in a straight up deal.

Here is why? I took a look at the Pirates top prospects, they are very weak in position players. Their strong point seems to be future pitchers, some nice talent there. With Jameson Taillon and Gerrit Cole heading the list.

The outfield looks like it is their strongest area in the minors. With Starling Marte, soon to break out in the next year or so. Marte looks to have all the tools for success in the big leagues. That followed up with Josh Bell the switching hitting power potential corner outfielder just beginning his career. Then throw in a Robbie Grossman and they look set in 3 to 5 years with this some of this group patrolling the outfield.

The only catcher in the top 20 is Tony Sanchez . Defensively, he is slightly above average. Has very little power potential. More of your singles hitter that may hit for a decent average.

Infielders beyond first basemen Alex Dickerson, and his dismal power outlook, they look pretty thin. Middle infielder like Alen Hanson and Jarek Cunningham do not show much bat potential at this point but they are in their early twenties. So who knows how they will progress in a couple years.These guys seem to be a few years away from even getting that big league opportunity.

There is little reason for the Pirates to trade away their starting right fielder and backup first basement for A.J. alone. The Yankees need to sweeten the pot.

The Pirates do not have anyone on the roster or in their top prospects that seem anywhere near ready to produce at an acceptable third basement's level. Could Brandon Laird be the key to a trade? He would shoot up on their prospect list, that is for sure. With his ability to play the infield corners and the outfield corners he might be the missing key to the trade. This would give the Pirates increasing versatility as they look to the future. Then again with what is now manning third for the Pirates, Laird might just be their big league starter at the hot corner.

What about Francisco Cervelli there was reported interest early this off-season from the Pirates. Cervelli would be an improvement over any current back-up catchers the Pirates have on their roster or in the minors.

What will it take to send A.J. packing to the Pirates and place Garrett Jones in pinstripes?