The New York Yankees reeled in another pitcher with a rich offer, reaching agreement with free agent A.J. Burnett on an $82.5 million, five-year contract yesterday.

CC Sabathia and the Yankees made a deal for $161 million over seven years on Wednesday during the winter meetings. After missing the playoffs following a 13-year run, the Yankees again showed they were more than willing to shell out big bucks for pitching.

Burnett's agreement was confirmed by the office of his agent, Darek Braunecker. The pitcher still needs to take a physical before the deal is completed.

"I can sense the excitement and the confidence that's spreading around the entire organization about what we're getting done and what we may get done still," Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner said earlier yesterday, before Burnett's decision became known. "A rising tide lifts all boats, and the confidence and the excitement right now among the team and the organization is contagious."

Burnett joins a rotation that also includes Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain. New York is hoping to re-sign Andy Pettitte and has looked at Ben Sheets as an alternative.

"I think it has the makings of a great offseason, and clearly our players do, too," Steinbrenner said.

Burnett won 10 of his last 12 decisions and finished 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA for Toronto. He set career highs in wins, strikeouts (231) and innings (221 1/3).

After the season, the 31-year-old righty opted out of his $55 million, five-year contract with the Blue Jays and became a free agent. He had two years and $24 million left on his deal with Toronto.

PHILLIES

IBANEZ AGREES TO DEAL

Philadelphia reached a preliminary agreement with outfielder Raul Ibanez on a three-year contract worth about $30 million.

The agreement is subject to Ibanez passing a physical, a baseball official said, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract was not yet finalized.

Ibanez's agreement was first reported by ESPN.com.

The 36-year-old Ibanez, who takes over in left field for Pat Burrell, batted .293 last season for Seattle with 43 doubles, 23 homers and 110 RBIs.

Ibanez drove in 100 or more runs during each of the past three seasons in Seattle.

ELSEWHERE

Diamondbacks: Free-agent infielder Felipe Lopez and Arizona finalized their $3.5 million, one-year contract. The 28-year-old Lopez has spent eight seasons in the majors and split this year between Washington and St. Louis. He batted .283 with six homers and 46 RBIs in 143 games.

Trade: The New York Mets have traded reliever Scott Schoeneweis to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Mets received right-hander Connor Robertson in the deal and agreed to pay $1.6 million of Schoeneweis' $3.6 million salary for 2009.

White Sox: Chicago agreed to a $10 million, four-year contract with Cuban infielder Dayan Viciedo. The 19-year-old Viciedo played three seasons with Villa Clara in the Cuban League, batting .296 with 32 home runs and 123 RBIs in 233 games.

Athletics: Oakland has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with backup catcher Rob Bowen. Bowen was on the major league roster all season but played in only 37 games in 2008 as the backup to rookie Kurt Suzuki, a Baldwin High alum.

Reds: Cincinnati agreed to a $4 million, two-year contract with left-hander Arthur Rhodes. The 39-year-old free agent went 4-1 with a 2.04 ERA and two saves and 61 relief appearances last season for Seattle and Florida.

Blue Jays: Former All-Star right-hander Matt Clement agreed to a minor league contract with Toronto and was invited to spring training. Clement, 34, has not pitched in the majors since 2006 because of shoulder problems.

Pirates: Utility infielder Ramon Vazquez, 32, agreed to a $4 million, two-year contract with Pittsburgh after batting a career-high .290 for the Texas Rangers last season.

Cubs: Chicago and right-handed pitcher Chad Gaudin have agreed to a one-year contract and avoided salary arbitration. Financial terms were not immediately available.

Nationals: Outfielder Willie Harris agreed to a two-year, $3 million contract with Washington. Harris, 30, set career highs in 2008 with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs.