A.J. Burnett's rocky tenure in pinstripes is over.
The Yankees and Pirates completed a trade Sunday that sends the much-maligned pitcher to Pittsburgh for a pair of minor leaguers. New York is also giving the Pirates nearly US$20 million to cover most of Burnett's hefty salary in a deal that clears the way for the Yankees to sign Raul Ibanez.
The teams agreed to the trade Friday but it was subject to Burnett passing a physical, which he did Sunday at Pirates camp as pitchers and catchers held their first workout of spring training in Bradenton, Fla.
Commissioner Bud Selig also had to approve the deal because of the money involved.
Burnett goes from a perennial World Series favourite to a club coming off its 19th consecutive losing season, a record for the four major pro sports in North America.
"Having played in New York, I can say that playing in Pittsburgh is ... I wouldn't say easier, but just the pressure and everything that comes along with it is less," said Pirates right-hander Jeff Karstens, who also pitched for the Yankees. "That should make his transition here a little bit easier. Anytime you can add a quality arm like that to the staff, it's going to make us better."
The Yankees get 25-year-old right-hander Diego Moreno and 20-year-old outfielder Exicardo Cayones, both low-level prospects.
Pittsburgh will pay $13 million of the $33 million salary due Burnett for 2012 and 2013, a person familiar with the negotiations said Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made at that time.
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