On December 18, 2008 the New York Yankess signed AJ Burnett to a five year $82.5 million contract. His first couple of seasons in pinstripes were successful, helping the team win the World Series in 2009 by winning game 2 of the series.
During the 2010 season Burnett’s pitching was quite disastrous, as he went 10-15, 5.26 ERA. 2011 hasn’t been any better for the right-hander, as his record is 11-11 with a 5.15 ERA. The Yankees skipper, Joe Giradi, had removed the erratic Burnett from the post season rotation, but was forced to re-insert him for Game 4 after Game 1 was suspended for rain. Burnett was quoted as saying:
“Believe it or not, I have pretty good confidence every start. I always go out believing I can throw a no-hitter, even last year when I couldn’t get out of the first inning. I had good games and bad games this season, but my confidence has never been a problem.”
Although Burnett is confident in himself, his coach doesn’t seem to share the same sentiment. Giradi told ESPN that Burnett will likely have a very short leash. Die hard Yankees fans have flocked to Twitter to share their thoughts and their predictions on what will happen when Burnett takes the mound tonight… most of them are pure doom and gloom though:
@MichaelSausto
Michael Aj burnett tonight on TBS… Not very funny
5 minutes ago via Twitter for iPhone · powered by @socialditto
@word_czar
Rob ReinaldaHoping there was a typo and the Yanks will have Carol Burnett on the mound tonight, and not AJ Burnett. 1 minute ago via web · powered by @socialditto
@KevinGPrice
Kevin PriceFill in the blank: AJ Burnett will _______________ tonight. 5 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto
@JoeyMcCullough
Joey McCullough***BREAKING NEWS!!!*** AJ Burnett has already given up a run to the Tigers. 41 seconds ago via web · powered by @socialditto
@illogicalvulcan
illogicalvulcanSo our entire season is dependent on AJ Burnett? What could possibly go wrong? 1 minute ago via TweetDeck · powered by @socialditto
@masnSteve
Steve MelewskiFor 82.5M million, shouldn’t the Yankees be able to count on AJ Burnett to at least save their season? 4 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto
@SevenOhThree
Valerie MoliternoAJ Burnett is pitching tonight. God, help us all. 7 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto
@sluz5511
Mike SWhy doesnt anyone have confidence in aj burnett? Just take a look at his numbers… Oh, wait.. My bad 3 minutes ago via TwitBird · powered by @socialditto
@MTH0707
Mack HerlynAJ Burnett is pitching to save the Yankees’ season. #omfg 4 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto
@Scott_Ian
Scott IanAnyone else think it’s crazy that AJ Burnett makes more than Mariano & Jeter? AJ, no pressure tonight down 2-1. #biggestgameofyourcareer 1 minute ago via web · powered by @socialditto
@MarkusESPNLV
Matt MarkusCall me crazy but do not be surprised if AJ Burnett throws a GEM tonight. #MLB #Postseason 3 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto
@nicoletenzer
Nicole TenzerAJ Burnett, I’m BEGGING YOU, please win this game. 1 minute ago via web · powered by @socialditto
How do you think AJ Burnett will do tonight? Let us know your thoughts.