It appears trade talks between the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees over veteran right-handed pitcher A.J. Burnett are continuing to progress, and in fact the two sides may be nearing a deal. Via ESPN's Buster Olney:
Pirates and Yankees have a framework of a possible AJ Burnett deal in place, and they are now working through conditions of that framework.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 12, 2012
Having "a framework" in place is the easy part. Now the Pirates and Yankees would need to decide on both the players and the amount cash being exchanged in the deal, two major sticking points.
Burnett posted a 5.15 ERA in 32 starts last season, throwing 190 1/3 innings. He had a 173/83 K/BB ratio. The 35-year-old is still owed $33 million on his current contract.
For the latest on the Pirates and Yankees' discussions about A.J. Burnett, stay tuned to SB Nation Pittsburgh. For more on the Pirates, check out Bucs Dugout.