Here's a worst-case scenario for the Yankees: Sabathia signs with the Angels or Dodgers, and right-hander A.J. Burnett takes less money to stay with the Blue Jays.

The only surprise about Burnett's decision to become a free agent is that the Jays are still heavily in the mix to sign him.

Burnett is close with the Jays' training staff, pitching coach Brad Arnsberg and staff ace Roy Halladay. His mercurial personality would not necessarily be a good fit for New York or Boston, and he again would need time to adjust to a new environment and increased expectations.

"I think we have a shot," Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said.

The Orioles are intent on making serious offers for Burnett as well as Teixeira. They possess geographic advantages with both players — Burnett lives in Monkton, Md., and Teixeira is from the Baltimore area — and they do not plan to irritate their restless fan base with token bids.

Still, it would be a major upset if the Orioles landed either player.

Owner Peter Angelos is a stickler on medical issues, and Burnett's injury history likely will discourage him from offering a long enough contract. Teixeira almost certainly will go beyond the Orioles' price range and perhaps land with one of their division rivals, the Yankees or Red Sox.

Andy MacPhail, the Orioles' president of baseball operations, is intent on acquiring veteran starting pitchers to protect the team's young arms, but the enormity of his challenge in the ultra-competitive AL East is almost overwhelming.

When the Orioles tried to sign right-hander Sergio Mitre, who is coming off Tommy John surgery, they were significantly outbid by the Yankees.

The Dodgers remain a good bet to re-sign free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal, who is a favorite of Colletti and manager Joe Torre.

The big question: Whether owner Frank McCourt will risk big money on Furcal after getting burned on several previous long-term contracts.

Furcal underwent back surgery last season before returning for the playoffs.