Why We Love A.J. Burnett

By Brian Duffy
Love of Sports Correspondent

Despite coming off only three days rest, A.J. Burnett probably had his most impressive and most meaningful performance in a Blue Jay uniform over the weekend.

Burnett’s had a tumultuous three-year career with the Jays. The 2006 and 2007 seasons were hugely disappointing for Blue Jay fans in regards to his performance. Numerous stints on the the DL and overall inconsistency lead to a 20-16 combined record.

This was hardly the kind of performance J.P. Ricciardi envisioned when he gave Burnett a massive five-year, $55 million contract. Up until Saturday, Burnett’s been an easy target for fans, and they’ve expressed their displeasure numerous times with choruses of boos as he leaves the mound.

All of this may have changed when Burnett finally pitched with passion and patience against a stacked Yankee lineup. Going 8 1/3 innings on three days rest is no easy accomplishment, but he finally gave Jays backers a reason to really embrace him as one of their own.

The fist pumping after strikeouts genuinely showed he really wants to be a member of the team and cares about the second half of the season. One of these fist pumps even lead to perennial All-Star Jorge Posada turning back towards him and mouthing some choice words.

Sure, it may have broken a little bit of the baseball code, but who are we to question a guy for showing some emotion against the games greatest franchise? Posada might want to focus more on his aging knees and slowing bat speed rather than wasting his time motivating Burnett even further.

With Shaun Marcum and Dustin McGowan on the DL, the Blue Jays will need Burnett desperately in the second half of the season. That’s if he is even part of the Blue Jays staff, of course.

Following this year, Burnett has an opt-out clause in his contract he could very well exercise. Chances are he could earn more than his $11 million salary on the open market. Because of that, don’t be surprised if the Jays move Burnett before the deadline and throw in the towel on what’s been a disappointing season overall.

That being said, A.J. deserves some love for his performance versus the Yankees this weekend. Hopefully he can show some consistency for whomever he may play for in the second half. And for that, we’re jumping all over that Bandwagon of his today.