Burnett looks like he's on the right track

Left-handed pitcher Sean Burnett may finally be ready to fulfill the potential the Pirates saw when they made him their first-round draft selection in 2000.

The 25-year-old Burnett, who missed the entire 2005 season after Tommy John elbow surgery and shoulder surgery and has scuffled the past two seasons at Triple-A Indianapolis, was enthused by how he felt after pitching two innings of relief Friday against the Phillies.

Burnett gave up three hits and a run and had a strikeout. "It's never been a talent issue or stuff-wise," Burnett said. "The aches and pains I've had coming back from two surgeries -- now that it's two years they say it takes to get over, I'm over it. I'm ready to go."

Burnett, whose 150 game appearances in the Pittsburgh organization consist of 147 starts, said he'll be glad to work out of the bullpen if manager John Russell decides that is how he can best help the team.

"It seems like the five guys in the rotation, barring injury, are pretty set," Burnett said. "I just have to fight for a bullpen job, let them know I'm willing to go there and prove that I can bounce back day-to-day."

Burnett said he almost felt too strong Friday. That manifested itself in the fourth inning when he scrambled from the mound to field a slow roller by Pedro Feliz, got up from his knees and rifled a throw to first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz for the out.

"Pitchers aren't athletes, so they say," Burnett said, laughing. "When you let go of the ball, you're an infielder and anything you can do to help the team or yourself, you have to do. Doug made a heck of a play to stay on the bag and it worked out."

- Mike Henry, Herald Staff