The Yankees, after reaching a preliminary agreement with free-agent left-hander CC Sabathia, have emerged as the clear front-runner for free-agent right-hander A.J. Burnett, according to major-league sources.

There were indications Thursday morning that the Braves were preparing a final push for Burnett and that they would guarantee a fifth year on his contract.

"I don't think we're done," one team official said.

Burnett's representatives were expected to contact interested clubs Thursday, giving them one last chance to beat the Yankees offer of five years and approximately $85 million.

The Braves have offered four years and an easily attainable vesting option for a fifth year that would put the total value of their package to about $80 million, according to sources. To land Burnett, they would need to guarantee the fifth year and increase their financial offer.

The Yankees have been in discussions with virtually every top free-agent starting pitcher, including right-hander Derek Lowe. If they sign Burnett, they would drop their pursuit of Lowe, then re-sign either left-hander Andy Pettitte or add another free agent such as BenSheets.

Burnett is coming off an injury-free season in which he went 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA, striking out 231 in 221 1/3 innings. The 221 1/3 innings marks a career high for Burnett, who has dealt with injuries off and on throughout his 10-year career. Burnett came on strong in the second half of the season, and went at least six innings in all five of his September starts with a scant 1.82 ERA in the season's final month.

FOXSports.com's Gerry Fraley contributed to this report.

Atlanta Braves News News » Sources: Yanks out front to land Burnett
Sources: Yanks out front to land Burnett
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