A.J. Burnett’s career was a fascinating tapestry of electric stuff, maddening inconsistency, and ultimately, a significant resurgence. Drafted by the Mets in 1995, Burnett possessed a blistering fastball and a devastating curveball, tools that, when harnessed, made him one of the most unhittable pitchers in baseball. Yet, for long stretches, particularly during his high-profile tenure with the New York Yankees, his performance oscillated wildly, leaving fans and analysts alike perpetually pondering what it would take to “fix” him. This article delves into the multi-faceted approaches, both realized and hypothetical, that contributed to, or could have contributed to, unlocking the full, consistent potential of A.J. Burnett.
1. Re-evaluating Core Mechanics for Consistency
Burnett often struggled with the repeatability of his delivery. His powerful motion, while generating incredible velocity, could sometimes lead to a lack of synchronization between his upper and lower body. A thorough re-evaluation would focus on streamlining his windup and follow-through, ensuring a consistent release point to improve command. This isn’t about stripping power but about refining efficiency, minimizing extraneous movements that could lead to errant pitches, especially early in counts.
2. The Fastball Command Conundrum
His four-seam fastball regularly sat in the mid-90s, occasionally touching the high-90s. The issue wasn’t velocity but command. Too often, his fastball would miss high or wide, leading to walks or predictable belt-high pitches that hitters could drive. The fix here would involve more targeted bullpen sessions focusing solely on hitting specific quadrants of the strike zone, understanding that precision with his best pitch would elevate his entire arsenal.
3. Unleashing and Refining the Curveball
Burnett’s curveball was a legitimate wipeout pitch, a true 12-to-6 hammer that often registered among the best in the league. However, its usage wasn’t always optimal, and he sometimes struggled to throw it for strikes when needed. The focus would be on regaining confidence in throwing it early in counts for strikes, as well as an out pitch, creating a more unpredictable sequence for hitters who often sat on his fastball.
4. Developing a Reliable Third Pitch
While his fastball and curveball were potent, a consistent third offering was often elusive for much of his career. Later in his career, particularly with the Pirates, he developed a more reliable cutter/split-finger. This development was crucial, allowing him to keep left-handed hitters off balance and offering a different look than his primary two pitches, mitigating the risk of becoming too predictable in longer outings.
5. Mental Fortitude and Mound Presence
Burnett was famously passionate, sometimes to his detriment. Frustration would occasionally boil over, impacting his focus and ability to execute pitches in critical situations. A “fix” here would involve extensive work with sports psychologists and pitching coaches on maintaining composure, learning to compartmentalize mistakes, and focusing solely on the next pitch, regardless of external circumstances or previous outcomes.
6. Strategic Pitch Sequencing
Often, Burnett would throw his powerful pitches without a clear sequence plan, sometimes falling into predictable patterns. A refined approach would emphasize strategic sequencing, using the fastball to set up the curve, or vice-versa, and intelligently incorporating his developing third pitch to maximize deception. This involves game-planning with catchers and pitching coaches, understanding opposing hitters’ tendencies.
7. Leveraging the Catcher-Pitcher Battery
The relationship with his catcher was always vital. With the Yankees, the dynamic with various catchers (Posada, Cervelli, Martin) evolved. A key to “fixing” Burnett was finding a catcher who could not only frame pitches effectively but also offer calming guidance on the mound and call games that played to Burnett’s strengths while avoiding his weaknesses. Russell Martin, later in his career, proved adept at this.
8. Managing High Expectations in Big Markets
Burnett signed significant contracts with the Blue Jays and Yankees, bringing immense pressure. The weight of these expectations often seemed to affect his performance, especially in New York. A proactive strategy would involve mental preparation for this intense scrutiny, perhaps mock press conferences or sessions focusing on ignoring the noise, allowing him to concentrate solely on his craft rather than external narratives.
9. Consistency in Delivery from the Stretch
Like many power pitchers, Burnett sometimes struggled with his delivery from the stretch, leading to decreased command and increased opportunities for base runners. Dedicated practice on maintaining mechanical consistency with runners on base would be paramount, ensuring that his stuff remained sharp even when pitching under duress.
10. The Importance of Early-Count Strikes
Burnett often fell behind in counts, leading to higher pitch counts, more walks, and forced fastballs in predictable situations. A critical adjustment would be emphasizing early-count strikes, particularly with his secondary pitches, to gain an advantage, allow him to dictate at-bats, and reduce overall pitch efficiency, helping him go deeper into games.
11. Injury Management and Durability
Burnett had a history of injuries, particularly early in his career. While some injuries are unavoidable, proactive strength and conditioning programs tailored to his specific mechanics could help improve durability. This includes targeted exercises for rotator cuff health, core strength, and overall body flexibility to withstand the rigors of a full MLB season.
12. The Power of a Change of Scenery (The Pittsburgh Effect)
Sometimes, a fresh start and a less intense media market can be the ultimate “fix.” His move to Pittsburgh with the Pirates proved this. Away from the New York spotlight, Burnett seemed to relax, allowing his natural talent to shine more consistently. The organizational support and a focus on his strengths rather than dwelling on past struggles re-energized his career.
This period saw him consistently post lower ERAs and more quality starts, demonstrating what could happen when the external pressures were significantly reduced, and he could just focus on pitching.
13. Adapting to Umpire Strike Zones
Like all pitchers, Burnett occasionally voiced frustration with strike calls. While some calls are genuinely questionable, a crucial part of a pitcher’s development is learning to adapt to the specific strike zone of each umpire. This involves scouting umpires and making minor adjustments to pitch location to maximize the chances of favorable calls, turning borderline pitches into strikes.
14. Understanding and Utilizing Analytics
In the modern game, advanced analytics offer invaluable insights. For Burnett, this could have meant deeper dives into spin rates, pitch movement, and opponent spray charts. Utilizing this data to understand which specific pitch locations were most effective against particular hitters, or how his pitch characteristics changed when he was struggling, could offer objective pathways to improvement.
