Burnett: High Risk, High Reward

Blue Jays SP A.J. Burnett allowed four runs and four hits with three walks in 4 1/3 innings Sunday against the Astros. "The pitches started getting up around an 80-pitch count so I am sure I got a little fatigued," he said. "I made some good pitches, worked a lot of changeups and curveballs in there, so I came out with a healthy start." Burnett allowed just one hit over the first four innings before yielding all four runs in the fifth. Toronto manager John Gibbons was pleased with Burnett's work. "He got a little tired in the end, but he is supposed to," Gibbons said. "He was getting up there in his pitches, but that's what spring training is for."

Burnett is now 0-1 with a 4.35 ERA through 10 1/3 innings. He also has nine strikeouts. Consider Burnett an injury-risk ace who has the potential to have a breakthrough season. We've been saying that for years, but he is another year removed from Tommy John surgery and this is the best team on paper he has ever pitched for.
Source: CBS SportsLine.com