Pirates sign A.J. Burnett

Many players within the Pirates organization are thrilled by the acquisition of A.J. Burnett this past Friday, and he hasn’t even thrown a pitch or participated in an organized practice yet.

Upon a pending physical and league approval, Burnett should be able to join the Pirates early this week for his first team practice in Brandenton, Fla. Current pitchers and catchers reported to Bradenton this past weekend for their first initial workouts.

Pirate’s second-baseman, Neil Walker, who has already reported to Bradenton, is one of many players excited by Burnett’s ability. 

  “I think it’s a great addition,” Walker told the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, “and I think him coming from the A.L. East, pitching in such a competitive division, he’s going to give us a very good chance to win every time he steps on the mound.”

The Pirates, who surprised many with their above average pitching staff last season, look to rely on their starting rotation this year, a strength they haven’t had in years. 

Optimism seems to be at an all time high, not only with fans, but also with players inside the Pirates clubhouse. Walker has noted that there has been much optimism from players within the organization, and has applauded ownership for the moves they have made to strengthen their overall team.

“It seems they’re trying to give us the best chance here and take advantage of anything they can, through free agency and trades, and they’ve made some good additions both on offense and on defense,” Walker said. “I think there’s a lot of optimism going into this spring training and a lot of good additions to our ball club.”

Competition will be at an all-time high for spots in the starting rotation, as the likes of Charlie Morton, Jeff Karstens, James McDonald, Kevin Correia, as well as newcomers Erik Bedard and A.J. Burnett will battle for the top five roles.

“It’s always good to have other starters that are good because you want to keep up with them,” McDonald told the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. “I think that’s good to have a lot of guys with a lot of good stuff -- have a friendly competition among each other.”

With spring training officially under way, the Pirates will hope to end their losing streak at 19 years -- the highest feat in all of professional sports. Starting pitching is such a key aspect in a long major league season, and it looks to be a key strength that hasn’t been possessed in years; not since the last winning years with a staff led by former ace Doug Drabek.