Burnett's Battle in the Bronx Appears to be Coming to a Close

The New York Yankees have agreed to trade A.J. Burnett to the Pittsburgh Pirates for minor league pitcher Diego Moreno and outfielder Exicardo Cayones. The deal is awaiting approval from the commissioner's office since it involves money. The Pirates and Yankees will split the remaining cost of Burnett's contract. Everyone while remember how the Yankees overpaid for Burnett. He was never able to get fully comfortable in the Bronx, especially with his control. As a Yankee, his record stands at 34-35 with an ERA of 4.79.

However, I could make the argument that for one night in the Bronx, A.J. Burnett earned every penny of that contract. That night would be October 29, 2009. The game was Game 2 of the 2009 World Series. Cliff Lee dominated the Yankee hitters in Game 1 to give the Philadelphia Phillies the one game to zero lead in the Bronx. If Burnett lost the game, the Yankees were going to be headed to Philadelphia down in the hole 2-0. Burnett wouldn't let that happen as he was on his game as never before. He threw seven innings of four-hit ball, giving up just one hit while striking out nine. He outdueled Pedro Martinez to help give the Yankees the win and swing the World Series in their favor.

Many Bronx Bomber fans will remember A.J. Burnett and shake their heads solemnly. While I might do that when I think of his control (as wild a thrower as they come), I will always remember the night when Burnett finally lived up to the hopes and dreams every Yankee had for him. His era in the Bronx might be coming to a close, but that does not mean that is bad news for either party. The Yankees have a crowded rotation competition, and Burnett deserved a chance to succeed elsewhere. In Pittsburgh, he will get to play under less scrutiny and against weaker offensive competition. I think that Burnett could possibly resurrect his career with the Pirates. A.J. Burnett was a New York Yankee. He has the ring to prove it. Without him, the Yankees may have never won their 27th World Series Championship.