Burnett's return key for Marlins

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com Buy tickets

 

 

A.J. Burnett has been throwing off a mound twice a week since January. (AP Photo)

 

 

 

MIAMI -- When A.J. Burnett joins the rotation, the Marlins think their staff will stack up with the best in baseball.

Exactly when that day will come is unclear.

 

Recuperating from Tommy John surgery, Burnett confidently said that he expects to be on the roster when the season begins.

 

"A.J. is ahead of schedule," said Marlins manager Jack McKeon. "We aren't rushing anything."

 

Like the rest of the pitchers, Burnett will report to Spring Training on Feb. 21 in Jupiter, Fla. The right-hander has been throwing off a mound twice a week since January.

 

"He is throwing the ball good," said McKeon, who watched a bullpen session the first week of February. "We're going slow with him. We're looking the first of May or the middle of May."

 

Ultimately, the medical staff will pinpoint the exact timetable.

 

Before Burnett sees regular-season action, he will face live hitting sometime in Spring Training or in rehab assignments in April. His progress will dictate if he gets into a Grapefruit League game.

 

The urgency for Burnett to return was somewhat diminished with the recent signing of veteran left-hander Darren Oliver, a journeyman who went 13-11 with a 5.04 ERA for the Rockies last season.

 

Oliver racked up 32 starts and threw 180 1/3 innings for Colorado.

 

Adding a veteran with a career 84-76 record and a 5.02 ERA gives the rotation some options.

 

Rather than rush Burnett, Oliver has the inside edge for the fifth starter spot. Michael Tejera also will compete for the job, although the lefty will most likely be used as a reliever.

 

Once Burnett returns, McKeon will be presented with some interesting options.

 

Assuming the rest of the staff is healthy and productive the first month, a regular starter will be asked to provide relief help.

 

Oliver remains the probable choice, but that isn't automatic. Dontrelle Willis, coming off a Rookie of the Year season, is a bullpen option if he struggles. And Carl Pavano, a standout in the postseason, has been used in relief.

 

However, Pavano is being considered for the third starter spot with Willis.

 

Burnett is hoping to join an impressive list of pitchers who bounced back from Tommy John surgery. John Smoltz and Kerry Wood worked themselves back to resurrect their careers.

 

Burnett saw action in four games last season, going 0-2 with a 4.70 ERA in 23 innings.

 

He hoped for a breakout season after going 12-9 with a 3.30 ERA and amassing 203 strikeouts in 204 1/3 innings in 2002.

 

That year Burnett was blossoming into a star before experiencing an elbow injury in late August. Bone spurs were detected on the elbow, and Burnett's 2003 became a series of setbacks before he finally needed surgery.

 

Renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews performed the operation in Birmingham, Ala., cleaning out the spurs and repairing the ligament.

 

Burnett said his arm hasn't felt this strong since 2002.

 

As eager as Burnett is to get into action, McKeon has already told the hard-throwing right-hander not to push too hard.

 

McKeon wants Burnett to keep gaining strength so he becomes a factor in the second half of the season, providing a fresh arm for the final stretch.

 

"I don't want any dead heroes," McKeon said

The more and more I read about AJ, the more confident I get that he will resume his dominance come May.

aj is back strong aka part of the best rotation in baseball

I don't know.. I mean I like this guy alot I really do but he has to have a great comeback this season and then next season he has to be a standout.

If he isn't doing anygood by next year's all-star game then I say trade him.

Don't expect too much from AJ this season. It would be normal for him too start out slow. He should see quite a bit of improvement in 2005 and could have a career year in 2006.

I don't really expect him to be pitching until June. They're going to be overly cautious...

I don't really expect him to be pitching until June. They're going to be overly cautious...

I wouldn't be surprised to see him come back out of the bullpen initially.

 

That is after a few minor league starts.