Tag: AJ Burnett

Buying Low- AJ Burnett

AJ Burnett has a 6.08 ERA this year and allowed twelve earned runs against the Cardinals last week. So… why am I buying AJ Burnett?

Analysis: AJ Burnett has only made four starts this year and we all know about the twelve earned run game. But, what you may not know is that in Burnett’s other threes games he’s only allowed four runs in 21.0 innings for a 1.71 ERA in those starts. AJ Burnett has pitched three remarkable games this year in four starts, period.

Burnett’s K/9 rate is 10.27, a career high thus far but it is only four games into the season. Remember, he’s back pitching in the Natioanl League and he doesn’t have to face the Rays, BoSox or that Toronto lineup on a daily basis anymore. His fastball, curve and change are all at the same velocity as in year’s past, so no need to worry about his stuff. The 6.08 ERA might scare some away but he has been pitching well. Burnett is owned in less than ten percent of fantasy leagues and now is the time to buy the veteran at the lowest his value can possibly be. If you are buying stock right now you have to be looking at AJ or at the very least Edinson Volquez.

Kazmir To DL, E-Jax/Burnett Going Fast

The Angels placed Scott Kazmir on the 15 day disabled list earlier today with “tightness in the lower back.” This shouldn’t come as a surprise, Kazmir hasn’t put together a solid season since 2008 with Tampa.

Analysis: I wouldn’t consider outright dumping Scott Kazmir at this point, just put him on the disabled list and pick up a red hot pitcher off the wire. A few days ago I mentioned picking up Edwin Jackson and after his last outing with 13 strikeouts he going fast in every format. He already has a sub 2.00 ERA with 20 K’s and two wins in two starts. But there are two sides of Edwin Jackson, good E-Jax(2009) and bad E-Jax(2007) and it appears good E-Jax is with us right now. He’s throwing his slider more than ever this year but the biggest difference is with his command as he has only walked five batters in two starts, that’s pretty good for Jackson. Jackson’s ERA will come back up into the 3.8-4.1 range especially pitching in hitter’s paradise US Cellular Field but if his command is on point then his strikeouts, wins and WHIP will be the numbers that will help you the most in roto leagues. The other hot option isn’t necessarily a good one. AJ Burnett is pitching well for the Yanks but you cannot trust a guy who on any given night can give up seven earned runs. If he’s available on the wire you have to consider picking him up and packaging him in a trade. The only thing you can trust with AJ will be the win total he has by seasons end.