Without Posada, A.J. Burnett Still Sucks

Can everyone please stop talking about a rift between Yankees catcher Jorge Posada and starting pitcher A.J. Burnett? The fact is, Burnett is just not a $82.5 million pitcher. He is to inconsistent.

I was never a fan of my favorite team acquiring Burnett before the 2009 sesaon. He did however tame my doubts a bit last season. Burnett was his inconsistent self at times but for the most part, he showed us how dominant he can be. The problem is, for him to be dominant, everything has to go his way.

Burnett is going through the worst month of his career. In June, the right hander is 0-5 with a 11.35 ERA.

It doesn’t matter which catcher is behind the plate. The Posada and Burnett talks were once again all over the internet and talk radio. Well guess what, Francisco Cervelli caught Burnett yesterday. The result? Burnett could not record an out in the fourth inning against the Dodgers, giving up six hits, six walks, and 6 runs in three innings.

Everyone needs to stop blaming Jorge Posada for Burnett’s problems. Burnett is the pitcher the Yankees paid $82.5 million to. He is a big boy. Burnett is just not that good. Way to inconsistent to be trusted as a number two starter. Lately, he seems barely capable of being even a number five starter.

One game it’s his tendency to give up the long ball, the next game it’s a command problem. I am tired of the excuses, tired of the problems. Figure it out A.J.

After the game, Burnett said he had “unbelievable stuff.”  Really?? Then what’s the problem. Yes, Burnett did have five strikeouts in three innings, a sign that he pitches did have some good movement. Maybe it was to much movement, his command was off.

Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland has been out of action due to personal reasons lately. Maybe that is part of the problem. Regardless, Burnett is a professional pitcher. I put this all on A.J.

Something is wrong with Burnett. I am tired of the talk that “I’m fine,” and my stuff was “unbelievable.”  I am tired of the excuses. Start pitching better Mr. Burnett!