Tuesday Morning Bits: AL East, Teixeira, Burnett, Manny

Let’s do this:

1. First, Joel Sherman (NY Post) has a set of solid reads out today. The first is fairly melodramatic as Sherman outlines how, exactly, the Yankees are still having a bad season, even though our year is over. The Rays and the Red Sox are mowing through their playoff competition and both teams are providing post-season experience to the multiple young players responsible for all their champagne showers. The AL East, as Sherman notes, will be the toughest it has been in years come 2009.

2. Sherman’s second read outlines the Yankees’ case for Mark Teixeira. He lists the usual pros (positives) in relation to signing Teixeira (e.g. defense, offense, etc.) and then juxtaposes them with a couple of cons (negatives). One con that is particularly interesting is that Teixeira suffers from the same affliction that seems to bother Alex Rodriguez. He’s a one-man show and a clubhouse detriment. Sherman seems to have forgotten Tex’s biggest fault—he’s a notoriously slow starter ala Robinson Cano (well, he’s not that bad, but I’m sure you get what I’m saying).

3. Next up, A.J. Burnett’s agent, Derek Braunecker, has pretty much clowned the Blue Jays through his highly suggestive comments regarding Burnett’s future. Basically, Burnett will opt out of his contract with Toronto (this is expected to happen relatively soon) and Braunecker notes that he is willing to play for the Yankees (among other teams, like Baltimore). With the AL East heating up like never before, I’m expecting the Yankees to make a big play for Burnett’s services. The Red Sox will definitely be in the mix for Burnett and would love to see him dominate the Yankee lineup in a Boston uniform.

4. Finally, for those who are hoping for a Manny-Bronx pairing, Scott Boras is reportedly seeking a 5-year deal worth $85 million. I doubt that the nearly 40 Ramirez will get that from anyone, so as of now, this is nothing more than a bargaining tactic. Boras also says that he wants a 10-year, $200 million contract for Mark Teixeira, which, frankly, will not happen (6-7 years for $125-130 could happen, though).