New York Yankees: Long-Awaited A.J. Burnett Deal Approved by League

The ugly marriage between A.J. Burnett and the New York Yankees has officially come to a close.

After two miserable years in pinstripes, management has officially shipped Burnett off to the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports:

"

Burnett passed the physical and mlb approved the trade. Done deal.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) February 19, 2012"

In return the Yankees will receive two low-level minor league prospects (right-handed reliever Diego Moreno and lefty-hitting outfielder Exicardo Cayones, both from Venezuela) and $13 million in relief from the $30.3 million remaining on his contract through the 2013 season. The Yanks still have to pay $20 million of his remaining salary, but his inconsistency is now Pittsburgh’s problem.

The 35-year-old is coming off an 11-11 season with a 5.15 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP after posting a 10-15/5.26/1.51 in 2010. In short, he was a massive disappointment that couldn’t handle the pressure cooker that is the New York media and never lived up to the lofty expectations fans and management originally had for him.

It was only three years ago when Burnett was considered the No. 2 starter behind CC Sabathia. He will be remembered for his Game 2 victory in the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies after the Yankees had dropped their first game, but the lasting memory of his struggles will be his legacy in New York.

Now he heads to a young Pirates team that has a solid rotation built around Jeff Karstens and Charlie Morton. Burnett adds some much-needed depth to the roster as Pittsburgh attempts to build on their best season in the last seven years. With the NL Central wide open, the Pirates are being the aggressor for once.

With the switch from the American to National league and the massive decrease in media attention, it should be a soothing transition for Burnett. If Pittsburgh can get 10 to 12 wins and six innings a start from him, they will be satisfied.

The market for starting pitchers was weak this offseason, and credit Pittsburgh for being aggressive and trying to take advantage of a weak division all the way up until pitchers and catchers report.