A.J. Burnett explains decision to sign with Phillies

A.J. Burnett spoke to the press this morning about his decision to sign with the Phillies. It isn't much you wouldn't expect. Burnett says he simply changed his mind about playing for the Pirates or retiring, and that he went to Philadelphia for family reasons.

On the qualifying offer:

"I mean, all due respect, I said I’m going to be done or play for you guys," he said. "In that regard, why would you, I guess?"

Also, Burnett says the Orioles and Nationals showed little interest in him this winter.

Here are the details on Burnett's contract, by the way. It's a lot more player-friendly than what the Pirates offered, and guarantees him at least $22.5 million over two years.

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