"After a month of awkward speculation, the Blue Jays called a temporary hiatus on the A.J. Burnett trade saga yesterday.

Prior to an impressive 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, general manager J.P. Ricciardi addressed the issue of whether Burnett will still be wearing powder blue following Thursday's non-waiver trade deadline.

"He's not going anywhere," Ricciardi said, appearing to bury a distracting issue just as the club begins to find its form.

"That makes me take a deep breath. It definitely makes me happy," Burnett said when told of Ricciardi's categorical comment. "For him to make that statement ... now I can really take a look at my next start, instead of wondering what's going on."

Manager Cito Gaston went even farther.

"I'm happy to hear that," Gaston said. "I would be real happy to hear that he was in spring training with us next year."

Well, let's not get carried away. Asked if he would now address the issue of opting out after the season is over, Burnett would not bite.

"That's a long way away right now and I have no interest for that," Burnett said, ensuring that the rumour mill will only quiet down for a few days.

The next one to take hold might be the one that has the Jays offering to substantially boost the $24 million (all figures U.S.) Burnett is set to earn in his final two years.

"That's premature," Ricciardi responded to the idea of a raise for Burnett. "Now, we're comfortable with the way the situation is."

Given the current inflated market for quality starting pitching, Burnett looks at this time like a man worth more than $12 million per annum.

For the fourth start in a row, he was a dominating mound presence last night. His 10 strikeouts, many of the jaw-dropping variety, pushed his American League-leading total to 149.

He earned his 12th win of the season, matching a career high he has reached twice before. Since he is healthy, in form and can expect at least 11 more starts, he has an outside chance for a 20-win season."