The pitching prize of the 2005 Free Agent class was taken off the market on Tuesday. Flamethrower A.J. Burnett signed a $55 million contract for 5 years with the Toronto Blue Jays. The signing of Burnett, 28, is the second major addition to the Blue Jays pitching corps this offseason (closer B.J. Ryan also signed a 5-year deal). Burnett, who was originally drafted by the New York Mets, won 12 games, posted a 3.44 ERA, and struck out 198 batters in 209 innings with the Florida Marlins last season. He has spent his entire 7-year Major League career with Florida. Breaking Down The Deal This is a great move by General Manager J.P. Ricciardi. Burnett adds a solid arm to the Blue Jays pitching staff that features former Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay and last season?s rookie sensation Gustavo Chacin. The 28-year-old Burnett is known for his hard fastball and sharp curveball ? he also throws a good changeup. Burnett, in past seasons, has struggled with his command. He also tends to lose confidence with runners in scoring position. Receiving the proper tutoring from Jays pitching coach Brad Arnsberg, the Arkansas native should easily provide the club with 12-15 wins ? possibly more. Toronto?s recent signings of Burnett and Ryan should definitely make them more competitive in the AL East. While the Jays are not likely to win the division, they will definitely steal a few games from Boston and New York in 2006. My Grade: [A-] ? got to give props to J.P. Ricciardi and his staff for making the Burnett and Ryan signings possible. If Burnett can silence some of his command issues, he will become a lethal force in the American League.