Andrew Barlow —
In just over two months, a Pittsburgh Pirate will be taking the mound at PNC Park to deliver a new season’s first pitch to the Chicago Cubs. It will, almost surely, not be A.J. Burnett. The veteran leader, rebel, and right-handed strikeout machine is 37, has 15 years of Major League time on his résumé and rejuvenated his post-Yankee career as a Pirate beginning in 2012.
After a freak spring training bunt-to-the-face injury, Burnett’s debut was delayed before he went 16-10 with a 3.51 ERA in 202.1 IP, notching 180 strikeouts in a performance that nearly led the beleaguered franchise to a winning season. Last year, Burnett was strong again, with a 3.30 ERA and 209 strikeouts, good for tenth in all of baseball. His K/9 rate (9.85) was best in the National League. His 10-11 record was not indicative of his dominance and extremely frequent ability to provide his team with a chance to win every single time he took the mound.
Not only has A.J. provided great performance on paper, he was unquestionably a leader in his two years in the PNC Park home clubhouse. His relationship with the young Jeff Locke, who arguably performed well above expectations throughout most of 2013, was well-documented by local media. His fire, willingness to stand up to or get under the skin of rival opponents and his frequent praise of the direction of the organization and the passion of the fans made him an easy guy to like to see in black and gold.
Neal Huntington, according to multiple offseason reports, made multiple efforts to coax A.J. to re-sign for at least one more year. Burnett has said publicly that he would only play for Pittsburgh if he does come back. Pitching coach Ray Searage said recently that he expected Burnett to retire at this point, that he had to move on preparing the staff under the assumption #34 is out of the picture.
If A.J. is, indeed, a thing of the past, the 2014 Pirates rotation will likely include Francisco Liriano, Gerrit Cole, Charlie Morton, Wandy Rodriguez, and Edinson Volquez or Jeff Locke. Liriano hopes to remain at the level he pitched at last season, while Cole is by all accounts the real deal, so little to worry about there. Morton had his strongest season yet last year, but Rodriguez will have to successfully return from an injury-plagued 2013 and there are question marks surrounding Volquez and Locke.
The newcomer Volquez has struggled mightily in recent years since peaking as a Cincinnati Red a few years back, and Locke faded in the second half last year after a strong start. Those question marks would not be there if Burnett returns. Volquez and Locke would merely be depth options starting the year at AAA Indianapolis or pitching in long relief roles in the bullpen. Burnett’s presence would ease the pressure on the other starters to perform night in and night out on a team coming off of its’ first playoff appearance in two decades.
Our last memory of A.J. Burnett is his two-inning, seven-run disaster in Game 1 of the NLDS at St. Louis. As tough as that was to swallow, it should certainly not overshadow his importance to this organization and the makeup of Clint Hurdle’s club.
Gar Bercury —
The decision not to extend a 14.1 million dollar qualifying offer to A.J. Burnett for the 2014 season left many Pirates fans up in arms. Fans point to the promise to spend by owner Bob Nutting. They will bring up MLB TV revenue, an estimated $20 million for next season, and question what the motives are. Why not sign Burnett back?
Fair question after another solid year by Burnett in 2013, where he was among the league leaders in strikeouts and strikeouts per 9 innings. The argument to bring Burnett back seems to make a lot of sense. However, as it stands today, that hefty price tag, among other reasons, makes bringing Burnett back a risky, possibly unnecessary decision.
With Francisco Liriano back, they have a proven veteran who is coming off a dominating season. There is little reason to believe he can’t have a similar type of year. Knowing he will become a free agent after 2014, he will be motivated. He seems to be a top of the rotation candidate, capable of winning upwards of 20 games.
Gerrit Cole provided plenty of optimism after his rookie campaign. What’s more, he improved as the season progressed. The idea that this ultra-talented youngster could end up your No. 2 starter should make fans ecstatic. He’s that good, and as he improves his secondary pitches like the curve and slider, he could become a Cy Young caliber pitcher. Maybe as early as this season?
Charlie Morton found whatever he needed to be an effective starter last year. Everyone is aware of his sinker, but it was his ability to work in his fastball and cutter more consistently that has Morton improving. Signs point to his continued success, and you could do much worse for a 3rd or 4th starter. Add in a healthy Wandy Rodriguez, a proven, durable lefty who can pitch 200+ innings, and three of your four starters are veterans with plenty of experience.
Edinson Volquez and Jeff Locke are both players who have proven to be quality starters (both have been All-Star selections) and I am of the belief that pitching coach extraordinaire, Ray Searage is capable getting both players back mentally by simplifying their approaches and getting them confident again. If one or both of them can find their game, something I think is possible, you six quality starters ready to go.
In limited action, Brandon Cumpton displayed the ability to pitch at the major league level and Cumpton will have a chance to displace Locke or Volquez if they falter.
Of course lets not forget that the eminently talented Jameson Taillon, a player who could indeed be 2014’s version of Cole. Much like Cole, he’s a big bodied flame thrower who seems to be learning how to use curve ball and change up more effectively, and it showed last season both at AA and AAA. Chances are good that a mid-season call up will happen, and we will get a glimpse of one of the most highly touted prospects in baseball.
Finally, the cost of bringing Burnett seems prohibitive. Yes, the Pirates SHOULD spend, but they need to do so wisely. With the case made that there are enough arms available to take up the slack for Burnett in house, that money may be better spent other places. Its my belief that Neal Huntington is putting money aside to use later in the season, and with prospects available if the right deal presents itself, that money will come in handy. This is an important part of the argument. Ultimately if the Pirates don’t spend, then there will be additional reasons for fans to be upset, I will join them.
For the right price, I have no problem bringing Burnett back, I believe in the adage “you can never have enough starting pitching.” However, Huntington will have to be frugal, any money spent now on Burnett, might be better spent later in the season. This is true especially when you look at some of the other pitching options the Pirates already have in place.
