The 32-year-old Burnett did not pitch up to the lofty expectations set by the five-year, $82.5 million contract he signed prior to this season, and was at times painful to watch. Burnett’s FIP (fielding-independent ERA) this year was a pedestrian 4.33, and the 97 walks he issued in 207 innings did little to instill confidence in his ability to come up big in October.
But for all the grief sent his way, Burnett actually pitched quite well in his last few starts of the regular season. Starting with his outing against the Mariners on Sept. 18 and spanning through his appearance in the season finale against the Rays on Sunday, Burnett tossed a combined 24 innings, and allowed just seven runs (five earned), while walking 10 and fanning 28. That’s good for a 1.88 ERA, and the Yankees were 3-1 in those four games.
To be sure, Burnett faced the lowly Mariners and Royals as well as the slumping Rays in three of those contests, but he also struck out 11 batters in 5 2/3 innings in the lone remaining start, which came against the potent Angels. It’s also worth noting that, after serving up 24 home runs in his first 29 starts of the season, Burnett was only taken deep once in his four most recent efforts.
Heading into the playoffs, if Burnett can keep the ball in the yard and the free passes to a minimum, the Yankees will have a rather formidable third starter – something many teams in this postseason lack. On the other hand, if Burnett reverts to his earlier ways, there won’t be enough Tums to go around in the Bronx.
So far, Burnett has provided the pinstripes only a $14.5 million return on their $16.5 million annual investment. He can make up the remaining $2 million — and then some — with a strong October.
