"Talks between the Pirates and New York Yankees regarding a trade that would bring Yankees starter A.J. Burnett to Pittsburgh were moving forward Friday evening, according to an industry source.

First baseman/right fielder Garrett Jones, previously reported as a player the Yankees wanted to acquire in the deal, was not part of the discussions, the source said.

It seems the Pirates prefer to assume more of Burnett's salary rather than part with players from their organization. Burnett will earn $33 million over the next two years, the final seasons of a five-year, $82.5 million contract he signed before the 2009 season. The Pirates agreed to pay $10 million of the $33 million owed to Burnett, according to a CBS Sports report.

If the Pirates pay $5 million a year toward Burnett's salary, their 2012 estimated 40-man roster payroll could reach $50 million.

The Pirates have tried to upgrade their rotation this offseason. They offered free-agent starter Edwin Jackson one-year and three-year contracts, according to a Fox Sports report, before Jackson signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals.

Burnett, 35, became expendable when the Yankees traded for Michael Pineda and signed Hiroki Kuroda. The Yankees have at least seven starters, including Burnett, in the mix for a spot in the rotation."