Further thoughts on Burnitz

by Scott Christ on Dec 29, 2005 1:24 PM EST in News & Rumors

Burnitz had a couple good months last year (April and June), and so did the Orioles, so I guess he'll fit in. He was a floating turd in the toilet of the Cubs season for the majority of the year though. He's a clearly declining player well past his prime.

You know what, though, I don't mean to hate Burnitz. I'm going to root for him. I have no choice. He seems like a nice guy and I don't blame HIM for this contract, I blame the moronic front office. I honestly don't think it's a good idea at all but I'll hope to be wrong.

In other news, the Expos signed that loser Ramon Ortiz and the Pirates signed Joe Randa.

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Burnitz

The O's needed a left fieder. Excepting a trade which they don't seem to want to do, who would you rather have from the FA market? Burnitz's numbers last year were better than everyone available except maybe Giles. Wilsons were virtually the same. Somebody has to ply the position. Or maybe you prefer Newen and Conine.

by el gordo on Dec 29, 2005 11:40 PM EST reply actions

re:

I'd prefer seeing if Val Majewski or Nick Markakis can play than signing Jeromy Burnitz to a two-year deal. How did Sosa work out, because I can't recall.

"I don't see why you reporters keep confusing Brooks and me. Can't you see that we wear different numbers?" - Frank Robinson

by Scott Christ on Dec 30, 2005 2:37 AM EST up reply actions

Sosa?

I doubt that Burnitz's decline will be as precipitous as Sammy's, he doesn't appear to be on the juice. If Markajewski manages to cut it Burnitz can move to right and Gibbons to 1st. But what if they can't cut it? Back to Newen?

by el gordo on Dec 30, 2005 2:45 AM EST reply actions

re:

Well we won't get the opportunity to see if they could cut it. I don't object to Burnitz as insurance for one of them, but that is sadly not the case so it doesn't make for a very compelling argument in favor of signing him to a two-year, $12 million contract. You're basically saying it's better to sign someone to decline than it is to give someone a chance to become a major league player.

"I don't see why you reporters keep confusing Brooks and me. Can't you see that we wear different numbers?" - Frank Robinson

by Scott Christ on Dec 30, 2005 3:19 AM EST up reply actions

both won't be ready anyway

both markakis and majewski aren't going to be ready though. the best we can hope is that one of them will be for next year. if that happens, then we push matos to the bench/4th outfielder spot. if neither of them are ready, we have the burnitz/matos/gibbons outfield for another year until they are ready. and if, by some miracle, both of those guys can play in the majors next year, then we count our blessings and worry about it then.

by joet on Dec 30, 2005 9:31 AM EST up reply actions

actually

aren't the O's priming Markakis for CF? So if he does perform well in spring training, he'll take the CF spot not the LF spot.

And I understand that the FA market for outfielders was slim and Burnitz was the best of the bunch. But a two year committment sounded unnecessary. That's my only beef. Given the choice of handing the job to Newhan or rushing a prospect, Burnitz makes sense.

by birdman on Dec 31, 2005 1:16 AM EST up reply actions