The trade rumors continue.  SI.com writer Jon Heyman has reported the Phillies are in trade talks with the Toronto Blue Jays for starter A.J. Burnett.  While it’s unknown how far talks have gone, Blue Jays executive Tony LaCava was in Reading this week, scouting the likes of Greg Golson, Lou Marson, and Jason Donald.

Burnett, 9-8, 5.33 ERA has was linked to past trade rumors with the Cubs prior to their acquisition of Rich Harden and reports are the Dodgers are also looking at the right-hander.  Hopefully the Dodgers make a push.

Trading for Burnett is a bad idea.  Burnett’s contract is terrible.  He has an opt-out clause after the 2008 season, so if he puts up a strong second half he could walk.  Should he go down with an injury or struggle in the second half, the Phillies could have him under contract for the next two seasons for a mere $24 million.

Speaking of injuries, AJ is no stranger to the disabled list.  Burnett has made six trips to the disabled list for elbow and shoulder problems.  He’s averaged only 22 starts per year since coming to the bigs leagues full-time in 2000.  Considering he has already 20 starts at the All-Star break, durability has to come into question.

 Unfortunately Burnett is the typical player the Phillies acquire down the stretch.  The guy we over-pay for and see minimal results.  I’m not saying he’s not talented, but he’s not the impact pitcher the Phillies really need. 

With Harden and CC Sabathia off the market, the Phillies do need to look elsewhere for pitching, but there are better options.  Should a trade go through and it involves Marson, Golson, or Carlos Carrasco, the Phillies paid too much.