Yanks up ante for Burnett, but Braves ‘still in it’

Las Vegas — While the New York Yankees continued an apparent mission to corner the pitching market, Braves General Manager Frank Wren believed his team still had a chance to sign free agent A.J. Burnett.

This, after the Evil Empire raised the ante Wednesday when the Yankees reportedly increased their original four-year, $64 million offer for Burnett to a five-year, $80 million proposal.

“We think we’re still in it,” Wren said. “We have no reason to believe we’re not.”

The Braves were the first to make an offer to Burnett last week — a four-year, $60 million proposal with a fifth-year option. There was a report Wednesday that the Braves raised that to a five-year, $80 million offer.

That report, however, was not confirmed by anyone connected with the Braves or Burnett’s camp. Some close to the Braves said they had not heard Wren guaranteed a fifth year as of Wednesday night.

The Braves have indicated before that they might increase their offer if necessary, through a higher average annual salary or guaranteed fifth year.

Burnett, who turns 32 in January, battled injuries most of his 10-year career before going 18-10 for Toronto in 2008 while leading the American League with 231 strikeouts in 221-1/3 innings.

“I talked to him about 10 days ago,” Braves third baseman Chipper Jones said of a recruiting call to the right-hander, “and he was … very positive about the organization and the possibility about coming here.”

Jones added, “He did say if he plays in the National League, it’ll only be with us. But he said he enjoys pitching in the American League because he doesn’t have to hit and doesn’t have to run the bases, and he can concentrate on pitching.”

Wren wouldn’t comment on the conflicting reports about the Braves’ offer or discuss negotiations between him and Burnett’s agent, Darek Braunecker.

The Yankees stepped up their pursuit of Burnett a day after agreeing to terms on a record-setting seven-year, $161 million contract with left-hander CC Sabathia, the largest deal for a pitcher.

The Yankees were also said to be ready to pursue free agent Ben Sheets, the injury-plagued Milwaukee ace who might interest the Braves as a backup option.

The Braves have inquired about the trade availability of other pitchers, including Houston’s Roy Oswalt (not available), Kansas City’s Zack Greinke (available, steep price), Pittsburgh’s Paul Maholm (ditto), and perhaps others.

When asked if there were possibilities should they lose out on Burnett, Wren said, “Yes, there are other guys that we like.”

He also said the Braves have continued discussions with several clubs in an effort to add a run-producing outfielder and bench strength.

Wren said again that the Braves have had no discussions with San Diego officials regarding Jake Peavy since the Braves pulled out of stalled trade talks for the Padres ace four weeks ago.