Fountain of Youth

de Leon missed the fountain that Bunett has found

The fountain at the point might be closed for repairs, but A.J. Burnett has seemingly found the fountain of youth here in Pittsburgh. There were many questions when the Bucs went out and acquired the former Bronx Bomber. He had not pitched well at all in pinstripes, but many looked at that and saw that under the right circumstances a move from the AL East and we might see a different A.J.

We sure have seen a different one. Burnett has won his last three starts and the Pirates have won his last 6 starts. He has an ERA of 3.60, but if you toss out his horrid start in St. Louis, it is 1.53. Toss out that St. Louis game again and he is going deep into games, past the seventh inning. He is striking out guys and getting plenty of ground balls. There is not much more to ask for.

Granted one cannot expect to see this performance last forever, but Burnett is pitching just like the guy that the Pirates need him to be. Add in the fact that he has seemingly helped James McDonald out and has been instrumental in how he has changed, the A.J. is well worth the trade and money spent.

What makes it even better is the fact that the Yankees are still paying him. I am sure that they would like a chance to have Burnett back, but instead he is in Pittsburgh helping and trying to right the ship.