Sean Burnett

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Sean Burnett
File:8TH Sean Burnett.jpg
Burnett with the Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
Pitcher
Born: (1982-09-17) September 17, 1982 (age 41)
Dunedin, Florida
Bats: Left Throws: Left
MLB debut
May 30, 2004, for the Pittsburgh Pirates
MLB statistics
(through 2014 season)
Win–loss record 15–23
Earned run average 3.53
Strikeouts 274
Teams

Sean Richard Burnett (born September 17, 1982) is a professional baseball relief pitcher who is with the Washington Nationals organization. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2004, also pitching for them in 2008 and 2009. He joined the Nationals from 2009-2012 and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2013 and 2014.

Amateur career

Burnett attended Wellington High School in Wellington, Florida.[1] He was also a part of the 1999 State Champions.[2]

Professional career

Pittsburgh Pirates

Burnett was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round in 2000 Major League Baseball Draft. Known for his change-up, remarkable control, presence, and a low-90s fastball. Burnett was the Pirates Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2001 and 2002, and 2002 Carolina League Pitcher of the Year. Baseball America named him the Carolina League's #1 prospect, and the Pirates #2 prospect. Baseball America after 2002: “Burnett was anointed as the Hillcats' ace--and he rarely disappointed. A left-hander with a 91 mph fastball and the league's best changeup, he did his part to help create a winning attitude on the field. Batters found it difficult to drive the ball in the air against him because he pitches down in the strike zone.” His velocity improved in 2002, hitting 93 mph (150 km/h). His changeup is his best pitch, he also has a good slider. Knowles: “He needs to improve his breaking ball, he makes a lot of mistakes with it, but he throws enough strikes with his other pitches that he gets by with it.”

After sporting a 14-6 record with the Double-A Altoona Curve in 2003, Burnett advanced to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds for 2004. He was recalled by the Pirates, and made his major league debut on May 30, 2004, against the Chicago Cubs. Burnett pitched five solid innings, allowing only one run, but did not get a decision in the game. He finished the 2004 season with a 5-5 record and a 5.02 ERA.

Burnett missed the entire 2005 campaign with shoulder and elbow problems which eventually culminated in surgery. He spent the 2006 and 2007 seasons with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. After a stellar 2008 spring training, Burnett was returned to Triple-A, as the Pirates decided to keep Rule 5 pitcher Evan Meek in his place.

Meek was designated for assignment on May 4, 2008, and Burnett was recalled to take his place. Burnett made his first major league appearance since August 21, 2004 on May 6, 2008 against the San Francisco Giants. He allowed 2 runs in 2/3 of an inning. Said Burnett of his return: "Honestly, it might have been more nerve-racking than my debut because my debut came so easy. It was such an easy road coming up through the Minor Leagues. This one was so much more hard work, and harder to get here, and a lot more time." [3]

Burnett had a 4.54 earned run average (ERA) in 160 2/3 innings pitched for the Pirates from 2004-2009.

Washington Nationals

On June 30, 2009 the Pirates traded Burnett along with Nyjer Morgan to the Washington Nationals for Lastings Milledge and Joel Hanrahan.[4]

Through the 2011 season, Burnett has a 2.98 ERA in 145 innings pitched for the Nationals from 2009-2011.

In 2012, Burnett went 1-2 with 2 saves and a 2.38 ERA with 56.2 innings in 70 appearances. On November 1, Burnett declined his half of a 2013 mutual option worth $3.5 million. Since the Nationals exercised their half, Burnett wasn't paid a $250K buyout.[5]

Los Angeles Angels

On December 5, 2012, Burnett agreed to a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, pending a physical examination.[6] The contract became official on December 12.[7] On August 7, 2013, Burnett underwent elbow surgery and it prematurely ended his 2013 season.[8]

After being almost a full year out, Burnett came back to pitch for the Angels in May, but after 3 appearances, Burnett was placed back on the DL. After an MRI, it was revealed Burnett had a torn UCL, ending his 2014 season.[9] The Angels declined his 2015 option on October 30, making him a free agent.

Return to Washington

On November 16, 2015, Burnett signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals.

References

  1. ↑ http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1998-02-17/sports/9802160410_1_palm-beach-lakes-wellington-coach-scott-benedict
  2. ↑ http://www.fhsaa.org/sites/default/files/orig_uploads/records/rec_ba.pdf
  3. ↑ Jenifer Langosch. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080507&content_id=2658074&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb "Burnett excited to be back on mound", MLB.com. May 7, 2008. Retrieved on May 8, 2008
  4. ↑ http://www.post-gazette.com/pirates/2009/06/30/Pirates-trade-Morgan-to-Nationals-Hinske-to-Yankees/stories/200906300158
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/9526916/sean-burnett-los-angeles-angels-season
  9. ↑ http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-angels-sean-burnett-torn-elbow-ligament-out-for-season-20140528-story.html

External links

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