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The Pirates have 'turned the page' on A.J. Burnett but would still love to have him back

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The Pirates are preparing themselves for life after A.J. Burnett, writes ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.

Pirates president Frank Coonelly said:

"We'd love to have A.J. back, but right now we've turned the page and we're heading to Bradenton (Fla.) thinking he's not going to be with us. But if he surprises us and calls up tomorrow and says he wants to pitch again, we'd love to have him."

So, the Pirates have turned the page, but they'd love to go back to said page if they can. It was a good page. 

Burnett turned 37 on Jan. 3. He's old, in baseball years, and is unsure if he wants to take part in what would be his 16th big-league season. 

Burnett can still pitch. He had a 91 ERA- last year, and struck out 209 in 191 innings. But retirement, and more time with his family, is calling. 

Coonelly added:

"If he surprises us and he calls tomorrow and he's as passionate and competitive and as determined as he was for the first two years that he was with us, we would be thrilled to have him back. And we have the flexibility to bring him back.''

Burnett wasn't tendered a $14.1-million qualifying offer by the Pirates. He earned $16.5 million last year, $8.5 million of which the Yankees paid. 

For more on Burnett, including comments from Pirates pitching coach Ben Livingston, who believes Burnett will indeed hang 'em up, check out the storyline below. 

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