AJ Burnett Signing Looking Really Good for the Bucs

When the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired AJ Burnett I was a fan of the move. Burnett, who is a former All Star pitcher, struggled the last few seasons with the New York Yankees. I still wasn't concerned though. Playing for the Yankees and playing for the Pirates is almost like comparing living on Earth to living in outer space. 

I think most Pirate's fans thought that Burnett would come to Pittsburgh and stink the joint up or at least evolve into the mediocrity that becomes a player when they put on a Pirate's jersey. Think about Chan Ho Park, Jeremy Burnitz, and Pat Mears for example.

If Burnett struggled in New York playing for the Yankees, how in the Hell would he perform well for a team that hasn't had a non-losing season in 19 years?! 

Burnett has had one disastrous start for the Pirates when he faced the defending champions ST. Louis Cardinals. Burnett gave up 12 earned runs in 2 2/3 innings.

Besides that dismal start, Burnett has been a stud. In his other four starts, Burnett has only given up six earned urns with  1.86 ERA, and 29 strikeouts Burnett has pitched 29 innings and given up only six earned runs (1.86 ERA) with 29 strikeouts and only six walks.

The best thing about Burnett is his personality, which the Pirates have lacked over the years. Burnett seems to be having fun with a team despite them not being considered contenders. Burnett has already brought his "famous" creampie to the face for players who drive in game winning runs. 

The Pirates acquiring Burnett, along with Erik Bedard are big steps in the right direction. The Pirates pitching staff has been nothing short of stellar this year. The offense has been down right offensive. The Pirates have a great mix of veteran pitchers with strong young arms. If they can acquire some more bats to generate even a consistent offense they could actually avoid a losing season. 

I'm still convinced that Bob Nutting is the devil and doesn't care about winning but Neal Huntington has shown me enough to consider that if the Pirates had an owner who cared about the team (Ron Burkle/Mario Lemieux) they would be a franchise to be reckoned with.