According to CBS Sports' baseball insider Jon Heyman, "people close to" Phillies pitcher A.J. Burnett believe the 37-year-old right-hander will pitch in 2015.

The right-hander will be 38 at the start of next season and has a $12.75 million player option for 2015, but has been undecided about continuing his career.

He must exercise his player option within five days of the conclusion of the 2014 World Series.

The Phillies scheduled hernia surgery for Burnett, who struggled in 2014, going 8-18 while pitching through the injury for most of the season while posting a 4.59 ERA.

While Burnett is a durable innings eater, $12.75 is a pretty big price tag for the numbers he put up in 2014.  He had some of his best seasons most recently while pitching with Pittsburgh. If he can recapture that form, the Phillies might have a viable starter, but that seems unlikely - Burnett's heart just didn't seem to be into pitching at times this season.

When asked whether he planned to play next season, Burnett replied "probably not.," in mid-August.  After a late August start where he struck out 12 and gave up just one run, Burnett sounded like he might return.

"My decision will come down to how I feel and what my family and I decide. It’s just one start, but to be able to go out and do that tonight makes you wonder."

Makes you wonder if he wants to pitch still or if he wants to collect a paycheck still.

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