When the Phillies signed AJ Burnett to a one-year, $16 million contract, they hoped that he would offer a great option out of the three spot in the rotation. Not only did Amaro get a proven veteran starter, but Burnett would be playing comfortably in an area close to his family, so it seemed like a good match for both sides. At the time, AJ was very excited about the situation (via ESPN.com).
"I'll put it very simple. For the first time in my career, I made a decision that wasn't about A.J. Burnett," he said. "It was about my wife. It was about my kids. It was about playing somewhere where I'm at home, and I can still do what I love.
"And that feels good. It was a no-brainer for me."
After posting a 2.15 ERA over six starts in April, it seemed as if the Phillies may have gotten themselves another ace, but unfortunately Burnett was unable to put together consistent stretches as the season went along. The 37-year-old right-hander has been pitching with an inguinal hernia all year, which can't be easy, but after his latest stretch of starts, Burnett has to seriously be thinking about "hanging it up" after the season.
Whether that happens or not remains to be seen. Though Burnett has posted a career-worst 17 losses and sports a 5.45 ERA in 12 starts after the All-Star Break, last night's start against the Padres was his 32nd of the season, increasing his 2015 player option to $12.75 million. After a rough start earlier this season, Burnett mentioned that he probably wouldn't pitch nest year, but we haven't heard much on that subject until last night. (via Phillies.com)
So is he still on the fence about next year?
"Am I on the fence about what?" he said.
Continuing his career?
"Yeah, if I can lift my arm up at the end of the season then I might pitch," he said. "We'll see how it goes."
Burnett said he has felt terrible this year, although he used a much more colorful word than terrible. He has been pitching with an inguinal hernia since April, although he has said in the past it has not affected him on the mound.
"I haven't been me all year," Burnett said. "A handful of times. We'll discuss that when we need to. But I pitched the best I could."
Burnett repeatedly declined to elaborate, only promising to discuss his season upon the season's conclusion. He makes his final start Sept. 27 against the Braves at Citizens Bank Park, the second-to-last game of the year.
"We'll describe it when the season's over, OK?" he said. "We'll describe it when it's over. … I'm not making any excuses, bro. I messed up tonight. I walked a guy and I … the curveball wasn't down enough. I ain't making no excuses. We'll talk when it's time to talk."
As it stands, Burnett will make his final start on September 27th against the Braves at home in Philadelphia during the second-to-last game of the season. This month, over three starts, Burnett has given up nine earned runs in 18.2 innings, good for an ERA of 4.34. Last night against San Diego, the Phillies had a 3-2 lead, but Burnett couldn't hold it as he gave up five runs, four earned, during his 5.2 innings of work.
"I expected a lot of things to be different," Burnett said. "A lot."
Brandon Apter, Publishing Editor for Philliedelphia.com
