AJ Burnett or Oliver Perez, who really is Worse?

Tonight AJ Burnett is starting a crucial Game 4 of the ALDS for the Yankees (let that one marinade for a second Yankee fans). If they lose they and their $196 million payroll are sent home packing. To start the second half of the season Burnett was 1-3 with a 7.61 ERA in seven starts. On Aug 20 he gave up 7 runs in 1 2/3 innings vs the 15 games below .500 Twins and on Aug 26 he gave up 9 runs in 5 innings to the 25 games under .500 Orioles. At the time Yankees GM Brian Cashman said about Burnett, “he is not our No. 2 starter, but he hasn’t pitched poorly enough to be treated like Oliver Perez”. That has to go down as one of the best quotes in the history of baseball. Oliver Perez must have slept with Cashman’s wife in an uncomfortable place (like the back seat of a Volkswagen) to deserve a burn like that. With everything resting on Burnett and his 5.15 ERA tonight we thought that it would be a good idea to see who really is worse, this year’s version of AJ Burnett or Oliver Perez?

Oliver Perez:

Over a 162 game season he would have averaged a 10-12 record with a 4.63 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 9.1 K’s/9, and 5.1 BB’s/9.

AJ Burnett:

This year he went 11-11 with a 5.15 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 8.2 K’s/9, and 3.8 BB’s/9.

Advantage: Oliver Perez

Perez may walk more batters but he’ll also strike more out and give up half a run less than Burnett would. How’s that make you feel Yankee fans? You would be better off having Oliver Perez pitching tonight’s series saving game than AJ Burnett. Ouch.