Obviously, the main problem with A.J. Burnett, and the thing that has me worried the most right now, is his inconsistency. You just don't know which Burnett will show up tonight. When Burnett is on he can match up with anybody in the league, when he's not he can match up with anybody in the minor leagues. For Burnett, the key is to have great command of both his pitches, without that he will have a miserable night.
The fact that the Yankees will be facing a fired up Pedro Martinez makes Burnett's need to be on top of his game even greater. I know some fans expect the Yankees to pound Pedro, but I'm not one of those fans. I've seen enough of Pedro over the years to know what he's capable of.
He also did not pitch well in his only start against the Phillies, allowing five earned runs on eight hits, walking two, and striking out seven in 6 innings back on a May 22nd loss. It will take a much better effort than that if the Yankees are going to head to Philly with this series tied.
With the level of pressure on Burnett as high as it is, I think it's very important to have him throw to whomever he is most comfortable with, and that is Jose Molina. The Yankees cannot put Burnett is a pressure packed spot like this without having him as comfortable as he can possibly be.
Losing game 1 at home always sucks, but it's hardly a death blow. Throughout the dynasty years the Yankees lost five game ones (a couple on the road) only to come back and win the series.
- Game 1 1996 ALDS - won series in four.
- Game 1 1996 WS - won series in six.
- Game 1 2000 ALDS - won series in five.
- Game 1 2000 ALCS - won series in six.
- Game 1 2001 ALDS - won series in five.
In 2003 the Yankees lost the first game of every series at home and won the first two, mainly because of Andy Pettitte's stopper ability. Tonight, A.J. Burnett must be that stopper.
What are your thoughts on Burnett's start tonight?
For some very interesting reading, head over to Fangraphs and check this breakdown they have on A.J. Burnett's postseason so far.
