A.J. Burnett says he’s choosing between Pittsburgh Pirates and retirement

Jul 27, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher A.J. Burnett (34) in a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Uncertainty has surrounded Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett since the season ended with a loss to St. Louis in Game 5 of the National League Division Series.

Did he react unprofessionally to the team’s decision to go with Gerrit Cole in Game 5? Did he refuse to be available out of the bullpen for the final game? Will he try to re-sign with the Pirates for another season or two? Will be test the free-agent market? Will he retire from baseball at age 36?

To Burnett’s credit, he agreed to a Monday night interview with 93.7 The Fan’s Colin Dunlap, during which the 15-year MLB veteran attempted to clear some things up.

In the interview, which you can hear on The Fan’s website, Burnett admitted to being angry with manager Clint Hurdle and pitching coach Ray Searage when they told him the rookie Cole would get the Game 5 start. But although any pitcher of his status would be disappointed to not get the call in the biggest game of the season, Burnett said the timing of the decision was what really rankled him.

According to Burnett, Hurdle and Searage told him immediately after Game 4 had ended. By that time, Burnett was under the impression he would be up next and had prepared accordingly.

“Don’t tell me after that game,” Burnett told Dunlap. “Don’t let me go through my routine. (That) could’ve been the last game of my career. I was very upset.”

Burnett denied being a nuisance to his teammates during the road trip to St. Louis for Game 5, contradicting a recent report by 105.9 The X’s Mark Madden that originated from a “source close to the Pirates.” Burnett also said it was “a lie” that he threw a bullpen session on the day of the deciding game on his own; rather, the right-hander claimed he was told to do so in order to prepare for a potential start in the NLCS.

With all that cleared up, Burnett answered questions on his future. He professed love for how the city and Pirates organization has embraced him and his family, and rejected the notion he would look to maximize his earnings if he chose to continue his career.

“I don’t see myself trying to get more money,” Burnett said. “That’s what you play for early (in your career) is the contract and taking care of your family and stability.”

Pressed on whether his decision was down to the Pirates or retirement, Burnett gave a conditional answer.

“That’s where I am right now,” he said.

While I’ve expressed anxiety about the Pirates bringing Burnett back at anywhere near the $16.5 million he’s made in each of the past five years, if he’s not looking to squeeze every last dollar out of his career, Pittsburgh would be foolish to not consider at least another year of No. 34 on the mound every fifth day.

The drama surrounding Burnett can get tiresome, but if his production comes at a cheaper price than true market value, the benefits of having him in the rotation are difficult to ignore.

UPDATE (11:26 a.m.): At a Pittsburgh City Council event, Pirates president Frank Coonelly said the team would “like to have A.J. back” and that the Bucs “have made that clear to A.J.” The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Bill Brink has the full story.