The Blue Jays plan to offer Burnett arbitration on Monday, the teams official site reports.
With Burnett drawing interest from a number of suitors, it makes sense that Toronto would like a contingency plan in case he signs elsewhere. If Burnett does leave, the Jays would receive two picks in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. Along with the Blue Jays, the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Braves and Phillies have all expressed an interest in Burnett.
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Julio Lugo: Trade Talks Dying.
The possibility of a Lugo trade to Detroit appears to be dead, the Boston Herald reports.
The Red Sox and Tigers had discussed the general parameters of a deal in which the Sox would send Lugo to Detroit in exchange for one of two left-handed pitchers, either Dontrelle Willis or Nate Robertson.
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John Smoltz: No Arbitration.
Atlanta will not offer salary arbitration to Smoltz (shoulder), the teams official web site reports.
Smoltz could command $10 million or more in arbitration. Its not clear if hell pitch next season after shoulder surgery, and there are reports he wont be ready until May or June.
