Another positive step for Burnett
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc, Podcast on Mar 12, 2011 
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A.J. Burnett allowed his first spring training runs this afternoon. He allowed a leadoff single in the second inning, then threw a “decent” pitch to Michael Morse, and Morse hit it out to right field.
Burnett retired the next nine batters.
“I got hit, gave up the bomb, and I didn’t care,” Burnett said. “I was there to get back on the mound and get the next three guys out one at a time. I’m not going to be perfect all the time — we all know that — so it was good to get out of the stretch and make some pitches after they scored a couple.”
Burnett said he finally found his curveball today, and he was pretty happy with the few changeups he threw, but there’s rarely been any doubt about his stuff. For him, this spring is about consistency on the mound and in his head. How many times has his lead foot landed in the wrong spot this spring?
“Handful,” he said. “But it’s a difference of how I’m reacting to that. Just let it go. If you fall off and miss, who cares? Don’t let the hitter know you (didn’t mean) to do it, but who cares? Get on the mound and throw your next pitch. That’s what I’ve been doing. It’s not a fall off and then the wheels start turning. It’s not a fly open or a swing and the wheels start turning.”
Four innings allowing two hits, no walks and four strikeouts is a nice, solid spring outing. For Burnett, this is all a step-by-step process, and spring training is just the beginning.
“By no means am I happy or content right now,” he said. “I’ve got a long way to go, and I know that. Everything is different under the lights. It’s preparing right now to get there. Everything feels great so far.”
Here’s the Burnett audio. Turns out, Sweeny Murti put him up to a little joke, trying to get him to randomly snap at a reporter for no reason. Burnett tried to pull it off, but immediately started laughing and asked Sweeny if he got the right guy. That Sweeny Murti. You can’t trust him. I’ve always said that.
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Associated Press photo
nice to see aj taking positive steps. if he wins 15 games the yankees win the al east.
Keep the positive energy flowing. In AJ we trust.
kd…..AJ wins 17 this season
I believe Joe Girardi has seen all he cares to see of Fish and Turpen.
i really hope you’re right. 20 for cc and phil (betsy, please don’t attack me) 15 to 17 from aj, 12 for nova and freddy.
not that much of a stretch
The great thing about burnett has been that his control and command of the strike zone has been dead on the whole spring, so far. Always good to see how guys like Hughes, Burnett, Chamberlain and the rookies react to “pressure” situations. Burnett and Chamberlain will likely always be “a work in progress” just because they have stuff they can’t always control.
We really wouldn’t learn anything about AJ if he went through ST without any hiccups – sounds like he has a really good attitude. He’s vital to the success of this team…….
I’d be careful of Pat M.’s predictions. Remember, he was off on Phil Hughes last season. Only 13 wins, indeed…….
KD, excuse me I don’t think that’s funny…….if you think I’d attack you. Give me a break.
AJ this season:
16-8, 3.90 ERA, 210 IP, 180 Ks, 1.30 WHIP
Would be a perfect number 3 behind CC and Phil.
betsy, i hope you realize that i was joking around.
I’ll be satisfied with 70-72 wins from the rotation, counting spot startes to go with a really solid bullpen and consistant offensive attack and solid defense.
Getting noisy in here, later
Later, Pat. good luck on robbing Vegas.
AJ’s spring has gone about as well as you could ask for thus far. Extremely encouraging. I’m sure we would all take 09 AJ, but what if it were closer to 08 (231k’s)?
MBoston, I’d settle for the average of the 08-09 seasons for the next 3 seasons.
Just received message that I will
get a $15,000 tax ” refund ” .
Not totally unexpected .
But still .
Yay .
Wasn’t aware that trolling paid that well.
That’s great news! You’re halfway to having enough to go out and buy yourself a life.
E. R. = evident recluse
Stage Set
ER – teensy weensy irritating mosquito.
m Agile Elfin Swatter
THWOCK
and Silence
I, too, am hoping AJ has a big year. Since he has been with the Yankees, he has been disappointing. He needs to step up and pitch like a 16.5 million $ man.
Remember, the most games he has won is 13 except in his walk year when he won 18 with Toronto.
“The Red Sox would move pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, who has a full no-trade clause, if they could add to their young catching inventory, the source said. Veteran Tim Wakefield is on the bubble, according to the source, and might be available for left-handed relief help. The Sox would also consider moving one of their two veteran right-handed hitting outfielders, Mike Cameron or Darnell McDonald, with interest in Cameron expected to increase as he plays more.” “The source said the Red Sox would also listen to any offers on veteran shortstop Marco Scutaro, who at the moment is projected as Opening Day shortstop. Scutaro’s versatility — he can also play second and third — might make him attractive to teams in need of infield help.”
How very generous of the Red Sox to make all these valuable players available for trade. ; )
Pat M. -
Nolan Smith 27 pts. as Duke rolls over VT.
blake -
Rubber match tomorrow, hope its as good a game as I’m wishing for.
Big Al……Well I was having a nice run today until The Blue Devils whacked The Hokies…I’m certain Ray is not too happy right now…..Let me say this about Coach K and the Duke Program…….He has a set standards for the type of kids he recruits and the expectations for them both on and off the court which has evolved into the closest program to what John Wooden built at UCLA……..I have great respect and always have but ever since Carlos Boozer & Cherokee Parks backed out of their UCLA verbals and the D. Vitale’s constant promos has pushed me to the brink…..However Duke is the new standard in College hoops and has been for over 20 years…..How’s that for eating crow Big Al ????
Looks like Theo & company are looking to unload some deadweight on a sucker…..Bet they call the Padres, they fleeced them once already!
AL,
should be a good one with a possible 1 seed on the line.
blake what do you think the line will be ???? Duke by 2 ???
Pat M,
Sorry man….I didn’t think.Smith would play. They were talking like he wouldn’t.
I’m sorry. But I laughed at that post. Theo “would consider” moving some of those pieces? Guffaw.
Why would they mess with the presumed WS championship team?
Pat M. -
I agree about the program at Duke, and coach K. I also have the utmost respect for the coach and program at UNC. No need to eat anything but a good meal, and enjoy a nice drink.
All I’m wishing for is a well played game tomorrow, and let the best team win.
blake -
If Duke wins, they’ll get the #1 seed, but, I don’t see UNC getting a #1 seed, even if they win tomorrow. If they do, it won’t be the first time I’m wrong.
Pat m,
I think Duke will be favored….I would say by less than 5. I really have no idea who will win. If the Heels play the first half like the last 2 games they will be down by 20 at halftime and wont be coming back on the Blue Devils. If they show up from the tip then they can and will win I think…..but that’s a big if right now.
blake….Not to be blamed, I did some homework before making the call and he was a game time decision…..I played a token bet on the game……I had a nice day so far and I’m heavy on San Diego St & UCONN….Small plays on Santa Barbara and Utah St….
Pat,
Smith is a difference.maker….had he not.played I think the Hokies may have had a shot.
blake -
UNC came back in the last 2 games because the teams let them back in. If they play like that against Duke, which I doubt, Duke will not let up and give them that chance. Due to the rivalry between these 2 teams, I fully expect a different UNC on the court tomorrow. Carolina Blue ………….
Big Al…..When that kid Dawkins was called on a bs foul on his drive to the hoop and watching his class demeanor I thought to myself how this kid is a poster boy for the Duke program……Maybe it’s not so much that I despise Duke as maybe it’s a sense of being envious……I’ve been a UCLA fan ever since I was a kid growing up in NY when Lewis Alcindor split for LA……..
Pat M. -
I’m with you on San Diego State, but I like Louisville vs UConn.
Al,
I agree and hope so….
I think Duke will play hard, they’re fighting for a #1 seed. They’ll also want to get the taste of last weeks game out of their system.
It’s going to be a tough game for them for sure.
Pat M. -
Those were great years for UCLA. The coach was the program, and if you were a great player, you wanted to play for him #1.
Remember Roy Williams hates the ACC Championship Tourney and I think that it filters down to his players…….Hard to believe that it’s the first time in 10 years that they have squared off in the Title game……Off to watch San Diego State put the clamps on BYU and that Jimmer kid……I’m getting 3 points though
Got to go, ya’ll have a great night.
Pat M.- hope you’re teams win.
blake – Tomorrow!!