Pirates close to trade for Yankees' Burnett

NEW YORK (AP) — The Yankees and Pirates are close to a trade that would send pitcher A.J. Burnett to Pittsburgh for two minor leaguers, a deal that would clear the way New York to add Raul Ibanez.

Pittsburgh agreed it would pay $13 million of the $33 million salary due Burnett for 2012 and 2013, a person familiar with the negotiations said Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made. The sides still were working on the payment schedule for the amount the Yankees would cover, the person said.

New York would receive 25-year-old right-hander Diego Moreno and 20-year-old outfielder Exicardo Cayones, both low-level prospects.

Once the agreement is reached, it must be approved by Commissioner Bud Selig because of the cash involved.