Perception vs. Performance

It's really interesting watching the Yankees trying to peddle A.J. Burnett to the Pirates.

Here's a guy for this generation of fans that was the poster child for the 'Overpaid/Underperformed' crew. Big arm, electric stuff (though he rarely harnessed it) and seemed more interested in his tattoos and screwing around on the four out of every five days that he wasn't starting than improving on his craft.

He first became recognizable as a member of the Florida Marlins back in 2001 when, in just his 22nd Major League start, he no-hit the Padres with a line that would have normally seen him pulled mid-game. Nine Innings, nine walks, 129 pitches (only 65 strikes), and three stolen bases allowed. This was a case of a guy being wild enough to not throw hittable pitches, and it's not like he was facing a bunch of scrubs in the Padres lineup that day (Rickey Henderson, Dave Magadan, Ryan Klesko).

He finished his Marlins career with a 49-50 record, 4.73 ERA and hit the free agent market for the first time.

Enter the Blue Jays into the picture, with J.P. Ricciardi having more money at his disposal than at any other time of his tenure, waving a five-year US$55 million deal (including a $6 million signing bonus) that included a rare 'out' clause after the first three seasons. Nobody really seemed to care, with Burnett assuming the number two slot in the rotation behind Roy Halladay.

Also factor in that Ricciardi just dropped a big bag o' cash at the feet of free agent closer B.J Ryan (five years, US$47 million) and suddenly there was a buzz around the Jays for the first time in over a decade.

Unfortunately, you know what they say about best laid plans? Burnett's first two seasons were average at best (20 wins and 16 losses in 46 total starts, making four trips to the disabled list with right elbow and shoulder soreness), while Ryan didn't even make it through two seasons, developing a bad back (read: needing 'Tommy John' surgery) ending his days as a dominant closer.

After those two years and a lot of money, the aforementioned 'out' clause entered into the picture and sat on the horizon for the entire 2008 season. With that big green carrot dangled in front of him, Burnett finally showed what all the fuss was about.

Burnett made every start that season, winning 18 games and leading the A.L. with 231 punch-outs and as sure Christmas coming on Dec. 25, the enigmatic right-hander exercised his right to opt-out of his Blue Jays deal.

With two years and US$24 million left on his contract, he went back on the free agent market.

The Yankees, awash in cash and always able to outspend their mistakes, signed Burnett without much competition by offering a five-year contract with an annual salary of US$16.5 million.

Now three years into that deal (for the low, low price of US$49.5 million) the Yankees haven't received much return on their investment.

Playing on teams with more than enough offence, Burnett is just 34-35 in pinstripes and his last two seasons have been as bad as any Yankees starter EVER. He has allowed 56 home runs, 41 wild pitches and an average ERA+ of just 84. His 5.21 regular ERA is second worst among MLB starters behind only Boston's John Lackey, who is also grossly overpaid.

It's kind of ironic that the pitcher with the best ERA during this time span is none other Phillies' ace Roy Halladay (2.40). Talk about good versus bad.

So here we sit with the Yankees finding only the lowly Pirates, under .500 since 1992 (the last time they made the playoffs) kicking Burnett's tires. The Yankees are clearly looking to get him off the books so that they can add more offence.

Here's hoping that the Pirates stand firm and don't give the Yankees what they want and agree to relocate Burnett.

Remember, the Pirates will finish in the bottom of the N.L. Central with or without Burnett, so why give New York any more than they are currently willing to give. Burnett's their problem. And quite frankly, they would be assuming the risk for a guy that probably wouldn't give his all on a second division team. Nothing in his demeanour, which we've all witnessed first-hand, indicates that he'll return to any semblance of good.

The only times that I remember him showing any giddy-up was when raced against the wieners (while on the D.L., no less) from the left field corner to the third base camera bay, or when he flew out of the dugout to pie the Blue Jays' hero of the night. All very childish, and the perfect

Portrait of a man that wasted a lot of talent while making the mother lode.

I guess it wouldn't be that wrong if the Yankees got stuck with him after all.

Stats man Scott Carson is now in his 19th season as "third man in the booth" during Blue Jays telecasts.