Jeromy

Burnitz

Burnitz would be an upgrade for the Twins if he was guaranteed to keep playing like he is now, but force him to switch leagues and he could be a significant disappointment. The Twins should be looking at their middle infield and their pitching staff as places to upgrade. Adding an outfielder won’t do nearly as much good.

Burnitz has $598,000 remaining on his contract, counting a buyout, making him an attractive option for a contending team, even though he’s fallen into a 2-for-24 slump and is hitting just .250 since Larry Walker went to St. Louis. The Rockies would like to have the 35-year-old back, but there’s no sense in overpaying.

First of all, even though the Dodgers were throwing a lefty, the Giants might not appreciate a guy with 37 homers being absent against the Dodgers. Also, Burnitz sits 15 plate appearances shy of triggering an $83,333 bonus. It’s bad form for the Rockies to sit him down now.

Whether it would be wise for Arizona to commit money to either player is a debatable topic, but they could be talking up interest to show Richie Sexson they are serious about fielding a veteran team.

The Giants claimed Burnitz on waivers and although the Rockies want to have Burnitz back next season, he is not willing to come back for the $3 million mutual option that the Rockies have picked up. The two teams have until 1:30 p.m. EST to work out a deal, and with Burnitz reportedly asking Colorado for $6.5 million per year it appears that something may happen between the two clubs.

The deal, however, appeared dead as of Sunday night. Giants’ GM Brian Sabean returned to San Francisco and said through an intermediary that there was no news. It may be that the Rockies have asked for the same pitchers -- Matt Cain and Merkin Valdez -- that the Giants have refused to part with all season.

Burnitz had already declared that he’d want more money to forego free agency. There appears to be little chance of the slugger returning to Colorado. He’s considering retirement.

He’s not expected back with the Rockies, but it’s hard to see Burnitz shutting things down after a strong season. He has a house in the San Diego area, and would like to stay in the West. Arizona might be a strong possibility.

Burnitz’s visit follows meetings with Matt Clement on Tuesday and Shawn Estes today. The Diamondbacks seem like the favorites to land Burnitz, who would likely bat fifth behind Troy Glaus. The Mariners also have a fair amount of interest.

If the Diamondbacks get Shawn Green, they’re probably going to lose all interest in Burnitz. The Mariners may also be out of the mix for Burnitz after signing Adrian Beltre and Richie Sexson. Atlanta is looking like a possible destination.