A.J. Burnett missed nearly all of 2003 after Tommy John surgery. He's been back for eight starts this year and he's been excellent. He's not striking out a batter per inning like he did before the surgery, but he's been just as effective as he has cut down on his walks. Looks like he's trying to go deeper with fewer pitches as part of his ongoing rehab. He's 27 and he'll be eligible for free agency next year. None of our current Pirates have seen him before so he'll have that advantage. Kris Benson starts for the Pirates and he has been effective against the current Marlins.
We just saw Pavano before the break. He was good for six and didn't factor in the final decision. The Pirates counter with Kip Wells.
Brad Penny weighs somewhere in the Randall Simon range and can be worn down. He throws very hard, has a bunch of pitches, and has been outstanding overall this year. Oliver Perez slips into the third starter's spot to face Penny. He didn't fare so well against this team last week, so here's hoping he does better this time.
Not one of these Marlin starters are signed for 2005.
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