The Billy Burns Experiment Round One was more fizzle than sizzle. He was brought up from Double A Midland to spark an Oakland Athletics offense that had been potent but has fallen to the middle of the pack. The experts said keep an eye on this speed demon who already has 51 swipes to his credit this season. Yet he proved the adage you can't steal if you can't get on base.
It was a small sample size and a timing issue. He was first given a chance as a pinch hitter in his MLB debut on July 28 against the Houston Astros and lined out to right field. The next day against the Astros he was inserted as a pinch runner but was thwarted by a John Jaso fielder's choice as he was forced out at second. Then on July 30 he got his first MLB start as he lead off and played center field. He was 0 for 4 and had an error. No chance to put his speed on display.
July 31 came with the trades before the deadline and he had to be sent packing to make room for the new Athletics. The timing wasn't right and it may have been too much to make that common jump from Double A. He had hit .250/.333/.330 with 1 HR, 23 RBI, 57 R, 51 SB in 91 games at Midland. Now he is on his way to Triple A Sacramento to get some experience there.
The Athletics had their eyes on him when he was in the Nationals organization. They watched as he was named the Nationals 2013 Minor League Player of the Year. Less than two months later they traded for him. Besides his 74 steals in 2013 the fact that he walked 72 times against on 54 strike outs showed good plate discipline.
The first trip to the Majors was just a tease for Billy Burns. They gave him a small taste and now he has that hunger while honing his game at Triple A. Time to work on his hitting and defense in the offensive crazy Pacific Coast League. It will just be a matter of time before Burns gets a real chance.
No comments:
Post a Comment