On Tuesday, Orioles fans may have gotten the best news of the offseason. Yeah, it’s been that bad. According to Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, A.J. Burnett plans to pitch in 2014.
I’m hoping that last night the O’s front office drove to Monkton, camped out on Burnett’s front yard, then knocked on his door this morning and handed him a nice contract to join the Orioles in 2014. They need a starter and Burnett is the best fit.
SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo tweets that Burnett is the Orioles “top choice” and he expects them to “be aggressive” in their pursuit of the 37 year old hurler.
Sources have long-indicated that Burnett would be a top choice for #Orioles if he decided to pitch. I expect them to be aggressive.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 29, 2014
With expectations dwindling and FanFest scheduled on Saturday, signing Burnett (and ensuring he can actually pass a physical) should really be atop the Orioles to do list. I’m not naive enough to think Dan Duquette hasn’t already approached Burnett and his agent this offseason, but I hope that with Tuesday’s development the O’s are increasing their efforts in adding him to their rotation.
Why Burnett? Check out my statistical breakdown from earlier this winter.
Image credit: Keith Allison
