Burnett gives Jays more time

By Jon Heyman, SI.com

DANA POINT, Calif. -- Ace pitcher A.J. Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker, said they're delaying by a few days a decision on whether to opt out of his Blue Jays contract -- but only to give the team a full and fair chance, not because they're close to an extension with Toronto.

Furthermore, Braunecker said that while they are giving the Blue Jays more time to talk about a new contract, Toronto still shouldn't expect a hometown discount at this late date. Burnett may well still opt out of his Toronto contract, the agent said.

The right-hander has an option to vacate the remaining two years on his five-year, $55 million Blue Jays contract. The timing is good, coming on the heels of a solid season in which Burnett went 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA and 231 strikeouts.

Braunecker disputed the notion that Burnett would prefer not to play in New York.

"That perception couldn't be further from the truth,'' Braunecker said.

The Yankees are one of several teams expected to make a play for Burnett should he opt out, as expected.