Yankees Diaries

Although A.J. Burnett had a season high 12 punch-outs yesterday, he had a bit of a melt-down in the fourth that ultimately lost him the game. After cruising through the first 11 outs of the game without giving up a run, Burnett walked Josh Hamilton followed by Nelson Cruz, both on 3-2 counts. With the Yankees up 1-0, Burnett threw a pitch to Ian Kinsler who immediately dispensed it over the wall in left to give the Rangers to lead 3-1.

Burnett has shown flashes of brilliance this year but also shown that he can self-district on the mound. Burnett hasn’t won in over a month and except for his showdown against Josh Beckett at the stadium four starts ago, he has really struggled. In his last two starts, both vs. playoff caliber teams, Burnett has lost and looked to have periods of time where he seemed vulnerable.

It should also be noted that Jose Molina started behind the plate yesterday in place of Jorge Posada. This is of interest to Yankees fans because Girardi downplayed the little skirmish between Burnett and Posada last week in Boston. The disagreement between Burnett and Posada started when Posada called a fastball to David Ortiz after Burnett clearly shook him off, that pitched was crushed over the green monster, and Burnett was visibly upset. ESPN cameras showed Burnett's face asking "why?"

Burnett is having a very solid season, and one to be proud of, but is this really the guy we are going to give the ball to if we have to face the Angels or Sox in the playoffs> No one will ever argue that Burnetts stuff isn’t flat out filthy, but unfortunately the downfall of many great athletes is in their head. A.J., please prove me wrong, go out there and win the big game. When your on, you are lights out, flat out unhittable, but when you are throwing your tantrums on the mound and blaming others for giving up three home runs to Boston, don’t blame your teammates, look in the mirror. --- Andrew Cohen.