Multiple sources have reported that A.J. Burnett has signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies worth $16 million. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com has reported Burnett turned down a $12M offer from Pittsburgh. #pirates offered aj burnett $12M. very fair offer, yet still blown away by #phillies' $16M bid. — Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) February 13, 2014 The news comes hours after the Pirates opened up spring training for pitchers and catchers. After last season, Burnett told 93.7 ... Read More
Bucs Bounce Back Behind Burnett 4 – 2
Follow @TBerardi_OVA A.J. Burnett followed Liriano's strong start with one of his own, but this time the Pirates held on to their lead for a pivotal 4 - 2 victory over the Reds on Saturday night. For the second time in this series, the Reds struck in the first when Brandon Phillips singled and scored on a Ryan Ludwick RBI single. That single would put runners on first and second with one out, but Burnett would induce an inning-ending double play to get out of the jam. The other run he gave ... Read More
Pirates Gameday: Burnett Looks to Bounce Back Bucs
Follow @TBerardi_OVA The Pirates (88 - 66) look to bounce back after another stunning loss to the Reds (88 - 66). A.J. Burnett (8 - 11, 3.43 ERA) faces Homer Bailey (11 - 10, 3.40 ERA) Leading Off With five games remaining between the Pirates and Reds, the season series stands at 7 - 7. If neither can catch the Cardinals, the winner of the season series will host the wild card game. Hurdle's Quotes On having a guy like A.J. Burnett pitch in a bounce back game after a tough loss -- "He's ... Read More
Cashner Near-Perfect In Blanking of Pirates
For the second day in-a-role, there was a gem pitched at PNC. This time, it was from the visiting side as Andrew Cashner went the distance with a one-hit shutout of the Pirates on Monday night. "He's a good, good young pitcher," said manager, Clint Hurdle. "I mean, it's a power arm. He had a three-pitch mix tonight. The breaking ball, changeup, the fastball command. Not only was the stuff sharp, but he was very efficient throwing strikes all night long." Cashner actually had a perfect game ... Read More
Pirates Gameday: Burnett “Addresses” The Media, Hurdle Talks Wandy
The Pirates (84 - 61) take to the home field for the first time tonight since breaking "the streak" as they begin a 4-game series with the Chicago Cubs (62 - 83). Jeff Locke (9 - 5, 3.23 ERA) will face Chris Rusin (2 -3, 2.89 ERA). Leading Off Tonight begins the final homestand of the season for the Pirates, an 11-game set with the Cubs, Padres and Reds. The Pirates will finish the season with three games in Chicago and three in Cincinnati. Burnett Addresses The Media Following Hurdle's ... Read More
Pirates Back In First With 7 – 1 Win Over St. Louis
The Pirates offense continued to dominate Cardinals pitching as they put up 7 runs in a 7 - 1 victory on Saturday night. They put two up in the second inning with two out when A.J. Burnett helped himself with an RBI single scoring Russell Martin. They would get a second run one batter later when Jose Tabata scored Burnett after a wild pitch. They would add five more in the third when Marlon Byrd continued his hot start as a Pirate with an RBI single to score Pedro Alvarez. Russell Martin ... Read More
Burnett, Bucs Must Bounce Back From Tough Losses
The Pirates lost another heartbreaker Thursday, this time in 12 innings, as the St. Louis Cardinals closed to within 2 games of the NL Central leaders after their 5-4 victory. In the rubber match between the two division rivals, it looked like it would be a pitcher’s duel early on with AJ Burnett taking the mound for the Bucs against Lance Lynn. Both starters had it going through the first four innings, with Burnett allowing just an infield single and a double. Following disastrous fifth ... Read More
Burnett Goes The Distance In 5 – 1 Victory
(Photo Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) PNC Park – A.J. Burnett pitched his best game of the season (so far) as he went the distance in a Pirates 5 – 1 victory on Sunday afternoon. His battery mate, Russell Martin, provided most of the offense with a three run homer in the fifth inning to break things open. “They threw me a lot of breaking balls today and talking to Jay (Bell), the guy throws a lot of sliders so I decided to wait for one and he threw the first pitch right where I ... Read More
A.J. Burnett showing dominance through the strikeout
So far throughout the 2013 season, Pittsburgh Pirates ace A.J. Burnett has pitched well enough to have more than one win. Despite his less than spectacular start Monday night against the Philadelphia Phillies, Burnett has posted a 2.79 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with an opponent’s batting average of only .208. In his five starts this season, Burnett is certainly looking like he can build off what was a very good 2012 campaign. But even though he has only started 1-2 and has strong number across the ... Read More
Pirates lose second straight Opening Day contest
Despite the snowfall two hours before the game, the sun came out and Opening Day went as planned. On this day, April 5, 2012, the Pirates hosted the Philadelphia Phillies. Wait, that's not right. While it is 361 days later than their opener last year, the Pirates looked the same as they did against Roy Halladay and the Phillies. The Pirates lost its last year's Opening Day contest to the Phillies by a score of 1-0. They were able to muster just two hits in the game and wasted a seven ... Read More