The angry young man returns
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Jun 20, 2009 
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It’s funny how things work sometimes.
On Sept. 26, 2005, A.J. Burnett ripped the Marlins after a 5-3 loss against Atlanta. “We played scared. We managed scared. We coached scared,” he said. “I’m sick of it, man. It’s depressing around here. A 3–0 ballgame, I give up one run and leave guys on base, it’s like they expect us to mess up. And when we do, they chew us out. There is no positive, nothing around here for anybody.”
The Marlins sent Burnett home the next day, suspending him for the rest of the season.
Burnett was scheduled to start on Sept. 30, 2005. Instead the Marlins had a 21-year-old September call-up named Josh Johnson make his first Major League start. He pitched well, allowing two runs over 5.1 innings for the win.
Burnett signed with the Blue Jays that winter and is now with the Yankees. Tonight will be his first start against the Marlins since he burned every bridge on his way out town. A.J. is second in team history (to Dontrelle Willis) in wins, starts, innings and strikeouts.
The guy he’ll face tonight? Josh Johnson. He is 25-12, 3.33 in his career including 6-1, 2.76 this season. He’s the best pitcher the Marlins have developed since Burnett was pitching with Josh Beckett.
In the tumultuous career of Allan James Burnett, tonight is a very interesting game. He’s probably going to be either very, very good or very, very bad.
Amazing how things always seem to come full circle
Erica,
you’re probably right (about the names on the “steroid list”)
that list (pardon my analogy) is kind of like a celebrity sex tape.
it’s only a matter of time before it gets leaked and people see it.
we live in a world where salacious journalism dominates the competition.
I don’t want to rehash the past. I like AJ – he’s been a good teammate. Unfortunately, he looks like the same pitcher. What puzzles me is that he looked so overpowering in ST. I’m not even talking about results (he was pitching against mostly minor leaguers….though that was not the case against the Cubs, where he pitched great) but just his stuff. I wonder if he’s trying TOO hard not to throw hard. Maybe he’d be better off not taking so much off his FB (I don’t mean that he should try throwing pitches through the wall).
“He’s the best pitcher the Marlins have developed since … A.J. Burnett.”
———
gotta throw Josh Beckett in there as well.
Josh Johnson is the real deal.
The Yankees need AJ to hold down the fort tonight for a 2-1 squeaker.
Boston Dave. That is an excellent metaphor
“What puzzles me is that he looked so overpowering in ST.”
———
the operative word there being ST.
the same spring training where Brett Gardner hit a dozen HR and looked like an MVP candidate.
ST means little.
However, Burnett was lights out during the second half of the season last year against top teams (NY, Bos, TB).
He has it in him to dominate. The great mystery is how to get it more consistently.
I can still hear the voices of my Yankee hater friends giving me the business after Game 6 of the 2003 World Series when they were embarrassed by Beckett.
I don’t know that I’d say he’s going to be one (very bad) or the other (very good). There have been plenty of games this season where AJ has been fine/solid – nothing spectacular, but giving his team a chance to win the game. I’m sure he’s going to go on a run at some point, but when will that be? Even if the Yankees lose tonight, I will be happy if AJ pitches well because that bodes well long-term. If the Yankees win and AJ pitches badly, that’s not a good thing. I think he’s looking forward to his return – I read several articles in ST about his, knowing that the Yanks were coming to Florida.
thanks Erica
BD, yep – that’s why I referenced him (well, any pitcher) throwing against ML. His stuff, however, should be the same…….and I don’t think it is.
Hey Pete
JJ is the best pitcher they’ve developed since Josh Beckett, not A.J. Burmett
AJ needs to stay calm tonight and not get too hepped up or reactive to the crowd.
Wow, never knew this stuff, this is going to be an interesting game indeed.
Sort of like the game against Halladay, but reversed in a lot of columns!
Betsy,
I’m not sure anybody knows. You could say that maybe he doesn’t handle pressure well but he’s done fine in the World Series.
He seemed to be really amped to go against the Sox and that didnt work out.
I think we may be getting what we’re going to get. Spurts of excellence and spurts of frustration.
He’s 32. If he’s ever going to turn his talent into #1 starter stuff, he needs to figure it out quickly.
my money is on the latter. burnett flames out and crashes big
tim boat,
any predictions?
I’ll go with:
6 1/3 IP, 6 hits, 2 runs, 2 BB, 8K
Don’t forget this is more of a pitchers park with no DH to worry about. He’s going against a young lineup that I don’t believe has as much patience to take pitches as most of the teams AJ has faced this season.
Getting back to the A Rod debate, I have to admit its a fascinating topic.
I don’t care so much about the debate if the torn hip labrums are a result of steriod use.
What I’m really curious about is the future production of Alex Rodriguez. I posted a few days ago that he may be more of a .285 32 HRs 105 RBI guy for the next few years (and declining further from that point).
Those aren’t terrible numbers, but when you consider the cost its not very good, and that’s being kind.
Where will he be in 2015, when he’s still got 3 more years on his deal at about 23 million per year?
Wow. Its not going to be pretty. The odds are stacked against him. Bad hip. Prior PED use (ignoring the fact of the long term health issues from us, simply factoring in the decreased production from future non-use).
Look, I strongly doubt he’s on a “serious decline” like Pete stated. He’s too good and too determined for that). But he may never come close to duplicating his 2007 numbers again. You may never see that A Rod again. And unfortunately, that’s the A Rod you paid for. The one making an obscene 33 million this year.
BD, AJ never pitched in the WS – he was hurt. I still have faith in him in general, but I just want to see him put forth a string of really good performances. His efforts against the Sox this year were really disappointing, esp. given his history against them. I do think that he’s so into the rivalry (and now in pinstripes instead of Jay blue) that maybe he’s just too tightly wound in those games. In the first one, he started off great – then let a couple of things just destroy him. That would back up my theory that he was just very tightly wound – when you are like that (and I’m not just talking pitching, even just in real life), any little thing that breaks you out of your rhythm will just set you off.
“On Twitter you wrote, “Is “fatigue” code for “no longer on steroids and/or HGH?” Only eight more years of this.” ”
——–
if that is true, shame on Pete.
I also just want AJ to take 3 strikes, lol. He’s hit before, but he doesn’t like it and I don’t want him getting hurt.
i vote “very, very bad.” he lacks consistency. sure he shows incredible stuff every few games, but then goes back to what he really is, a guy with an amazing arm that doesn’t know how to pitch. i still don’t think he’s a good signing. oh well.
Betsy,
you’re right – I think I was confusing him with Brad Penny.
I guess I should try to stop trying to “figure out” AJ. It might be an exercise in futility.
I also hate looking back at the 03′ World Series.
Yanks should have won that.
Thanks Jeff Weaver
(last thred)
All of you sound ridiculous right now. Alex is notorious for going into slumps and has been his entire time with the Yankees. He has won the MVP in 2003, 2005, and 2007. Alex came back from hip surgery and immediately crushed a homerun on his first pitch. He has shown a significant amount of power since coming back in a short span. Sure, it should be more, but he hasn’t been rested.
Alex is not your typical roid user and he will turn things around. Alex is a 35HR, 120RBI guy every single season, regardless. He works way too hard for his body to wear down the way that the un-fit Giambi’s did.
Alex is a much better player talent wise than anyone else in this game, pretty much. You guys really think the most talented player in baseball (or close to it) is going to have the same rules apply to him as to other washed-up, medicore (without steroids) players? Give me a break. This guy is going to rake and rake often for the next X years, before he retires early from the pressure.
You guys sound ridiculous right now.
“He’s the best pitcher the Marlins have developed since … A.J. Burnett.”
He’s already a better pitcher than AJ Burnett was at the same age.
whoa,
what is your prediction for AJ for tonight?
I could see the Yanks being shut out tonight, unfortunately, but I also think AJ will pitch well.
Of course, I hope the Yanks can have a big inning or two (meaning 2 runs at a time).
Hitting with RISP will be especially important tonight.
there is no okay Aj, its either bad Aj or good Aj. he should be able to mow these guys down, but will he? should be a fun game to watch
Good stuff. Didn’t know any of that.
The plot thickens.
I voted for AJ in the poll last fall. At this point though he hasn’t really impressed. A Nuke Larouche type. Million dollar arm with a 2 cent head. He seems like such a chill dude. It doesn’t seem to translate on the mound. I guess that’s the trick huh?
I look for Girardi to support his # 1 catcher with the nod tonight. Maybe there’s something there…maybe it’s hogwash. The recent schedule seems to point to a Posada start. So do Cervelli’s #’s against righties. And NL rules .
From last thread….
“On Twitter you wrote, “Is “fatigue” code for “no longer on steroids and/or HGH?” Only eight more years of this.” ”
If it is true, I do not twitter, shame on you Pete. Your hatred for A-Rod going too far. When Andy was having bad spell before last night game, did you think the same way? It is real double standard, isn’t it?
Bronx Jeers,
you’re prob right.
AJ did throw a gem against the Rangers with Jorgy behind the dish just 3 starts ago.
I think he’ll do well… the question is will JJ do better?
“I look for Girardi to support his # 1 catcher with the nod tonight.”
With A-Rod out and Jeter not 100%, Girardi has no choice but to play Po. Also, he should not send a message that he is removing Po because AJ does not like it. They need to work it out.
Come playoffs, Po will start all games and these pitchers better get used to him and vice versa.
“Come playoffs, Po will start all games and these pitchers better get used to him and vice versa.”
——-
good point.
and I like the positive thinking
Josh Johnson will be tough. Hopefully AJ and the yankees offense will bring their A game today. Play smart!
You guys make a good point-
Posada not catching tonight will give Posadagate credibility. The Yankees won’t do that
“Josh Johnson will be tough. Hopefully AJ and the yankees offense will bring their A game today.”
I get the visions that it will be like Sanatna game
No, Boston Dave. Thanks, Joe Torre, who put Weaver in in ’03 and, when he miraculously got through one inning, KEPT him in. Asked afterward why, Torre said something to the effect “If I do not use him there, he should not be on playoff roster”. Duh, Joe. He shouldn’t have been. One of the dumbest managerial decisions ever IMO.
I remember that. He wasn’t a team player back then. I don’t care how bad your team is, you don’t run to the media and throw your team and coaches under the bus like that. Not knocking him, because now he seems a lot better. (at times) He seems like he’s matured since then.
I also hate looking back at the 03′ World Series.
Yanks should have won that.
Thanks Jeff Weaver
==================
Yeah with an assist from David Wells’ back. What horrible timing.
Aw. 4 year old Tex with Daddy and sis:
http://bombersbeat.mlblogs.com/Tex3.jpg
I get the visions that it will be like Sanatna game
=========================
Hopefully!
“I get the visions that it will be like Sanatna game”
lol i like your thinking!
Thought AJ would be a great signing, but I only saw the games he pitched against the Yanks.
He needs to pitch a very good game tonight. If Posada is catching him, be quiet AJ.
If Wang goes back to form, AJ is a #3 or #4 starter.
I’d be surprised if AJ does not pitch well tonight. You know he wants to show the organization a thing or two, plus this is a mediocre offensive team and a big old ballpark.
The AJ/Cervelli talk with increase dramatically if he doesn’t throw well and that’s not in anyone’s interest.
anger and tattoos
a knucklehead who throws hard
welcome home, A.J.
good article on Daisuke (BEFORE last night’s game):
“Even more amazing is this: Among all American League pitchers with at least 30 innings, Matsuzaka ranks 13th in average run support. On the Boston staff, only nine-game-winner Tim Wakefield has benefited from a higher number. Matsuzaka has been losing despite the fact that the Red Sox have been scoring runs for him, which speaks to just how poor his performance has been.”
http://www.boston.com/sports/c....._dice.html
Haiku fever has gripped the Lo Hud blog. I like it
Poor Dice-K. I hate when Boston pitchers struggle
“Asked afterward why, Torre said something to the effect “If I do not use him there, he should not be on playoff roster”. Duh, Joe. He shouldn’t have been. One of the dumbest managerial decisions ever IMO.”
I think there is even a dumber line from Torre, I still can not beleive he said it.
In the game of Joba and midgets in Cleveland, Torre never asked the umps to stop the game. Later his contract was not renewed (as much as many say, Yanks did not fire him).
About two weeks or month later he had a news conference. One of the things he said was he did not go to talk to the umps as he was thinking it would count as a visit. He should know it would not as he will visit the ump, not the mound. Even if it counts, do you give up a game like that. An accomplished manager like Torre can not make a dumber statement than this.
Nick in SF in Dallas June 20th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
anger and tattoos
a knucklehead who throws hard
welcome home, A.J.
=============================
LOL awww, what a cute pic – Tex looks just the same now as he did then. I would love to see childhood pics of the other Yankees…..
Yesterday Francesa asked Girardi about it and Girardi said that Jorge will start 6 or 7 of the 9 NL games but wouldn’t commit to tonight’s game.
I was thinking about Petite last night and an interesting “what if”.
What if the playoffs started today? They need 3 starters. Who are the 3.
Obviously CC gets game 1. Away game. So would be game 2.
Who gets it? We still need 2 out of 4 pitchers.
Wang is out so now 2 out of 3.
I thought put Joba in the pen and you got to start Pettitte in game 2 away because of his #’s home. AJ gets game 3 home.
So as it stands right now their # 5 could reasonably be their #2 in the post-season.
“After a conference call with team brass, general manager Brian Cashman ordered the two-day rest for Alex Rodriguez, reports Jon Heyman of SI.com.
Citing “people familiar with the situation” Heyman writes that the conference call included Hal Steinbrenner and Alex Rodriguez himself, among others. In the call, A-Rod admitted that he was “bone tired.” During the conference call, at least one team decision-maker told him, “You’re hurting the team.” Rodriguez is batting .212/.370/.462 with nine homers and 26 RBI since returning from hip surgery. ”
SI.com
I like AJ, but that catcher comment he made was boneheaded. He didn’t have to say that, but he did. Wasn’t really all that necessary. I hope he has a good game tonight. Should be fun to watch.
Betsy-
That reminds me of when I was little in the 80s and my dad would bring home the annual Yankee yearbook. I would grab it from him and immediately flip to my favorite part- the family portraits of the players with their wives and kids. (I was really too young to understand any of the actual baseball in the yearbook).
The last time I went to a game with my dad and he bought the yearbook- I flipped through it and was really sad to see they stopped that section.
Here’s the father’s day story on Tex and his dad……very sweet
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....8;c_id=nyy
Here’s the father’s day story on Tex and his dad……very sweet
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....8;c_id=nyy
I bet that conference call came on the heels of Girardi’s admission on Thursday that there was absolutely NO intention to rest A-Rod on this road trip. Girardi said the scheduled days off would be enough for him
Tex’s father looks like Antonio Banderas!
One thing is for sure tonight…
In the minds of some who post on this blog, if Burnett pitches well, it’s because he’s great.
However, if A.J. stinks up the joint, it’s Jorge Posada’s fault.
And that, of course, just makes absolutely no sense at all.
It’s sad that Cash had to order Alex to rest. I’m not blaming Alex at all – Joe should have done it on his own.
“That reminds me of when I was little in the 80s and my dad would bring home the annual Yankee yearbook.”
great story… wish there were more girls like you around Boston. alas, they’re all Sox fans and they all suck.
Relax lohud this is Josh Johnson early 20′s not Johan near 30′s and diminishing stuff.
RConn23-
It’s because Posada is the one calling the walks and homeruns
Erica, that was the first section I always flipped to as well………it’s just so adorable. I also love seeing pics of the Yanks with their kids.
RConn, you won’t hear that from me. I love AJ, but he’s a man – he’s on his own on the mound, just like anyone else.
Aww- Thanks Boston Dave. You made me blush.
How did a Yankee fan like yourself wind up in Boston anyway? That must be maddening
“In the minds of some who post on this blog, if Burnett pitches well, it’s because he’s great.
However, if A.J. stinks up the joint, it’s Jorge Posada’s fault.
And that, of course, just makes absolutely no sense at all.”
It really doesn’t, but you know thats the way its going to be.
NYY needs to be bunting a lot tonight and stealing anything that isn’t nailed down.
I know Betsy!!! I wonder why they stopped it. Yankee brass, if you are listening- please return the player’s family photo section to the annual Yankee yearbook
“Relax lohud this is Josh Johnson early 20’s not Johan near 30’s and diminishing stuff.”
———-
JJ is a stud for sure… but I’m not so sure Johan has “diminishing stuff” just yet.
I think tonight will be a 3-2 type game.
GB7- That reminds me,
Does anyone know the condition of GGBG?
Posada gets the nod. Posada’s bat needs to make up for Alex.
Also, Girardi will want to squash any catcher controversy.
Again, getting the win is more important than how the starter does. Ugly wins trump pretty losses.
Go, Braves. Go, Yankees.
“How did a Yankee fan like yourself wind up in Boston anyway? That must be maddening”
———
if maddening means torture, then yes.
I’ve lived in the Boston area for almost my entire life but my family is all from NY (mostly Brooklyn).
My dad didn’t follow sports at all so I relied on my grandfather and other relatives to set me straight…. straight to Yankee Stadium that is.
When I was in grade school I’d draw Yankee logos on my bookcovers and have stickers and all that. My teachers would tell me I was getting an F!!!
When I brought home an occasional C, my parents didn’t believe my excuse. The teachers were out to get me!
Erica – newly OPPC
June 20th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
GB7- That reminds me,
Does anyone know the condition of GGBG?
————————————————————
Haven’t heard a thing, though I assume that he’s sore and maybe still has a headache. I’d seriously doubt that there was any sort of concussion, because they wouldn’t have allowed him to fly. I think that he may pinch run tonight for a slower runner, though maybe not in a sreal situation.
Boston Dave
I grew up in Rhode Island, every bit as saturated with Red Sox fans. I had teachers who definitely had it out for me, too, as a Yankees fan.
I missed a few field trips, had to copy the dictionary, and much, much more. I didn’t bring home lower grades, but boy did they make it hard to enjoy.
Now I live in South Carolina, where nobody really knows what this peculiar sport called “baseball” is. Much better this way.
though maybe not in a ***steal*** situation
And by the way, Josh Johnson is a young pitcher, sure. The Yankees have been struggling offensively. But the fact is that each and every night, we have the ability to put up a crooked number against any pitcher, any inning. This team has some of the biggest talents in the league offensively. Even when a pitcher makes his pitch, it still doesn’t mean we’re not going to put it in play for a hit.
We’re so down on our offense for some reason when we’re one of the best in the game. This team, without A-Rod, can be a playoff team. If we can get more production from A-Rod and we can get Wang/AJ straight, I can’t imagine we don’t overtake the Red Sox by a good 5-10 games when all is said and done.
Some of you Yankees fans have selective amnesia.