New ace's stock rising

Burnett has a championship experience to learn from

By Rob Lucas
Beloit Daily News

Like every minor leaguer, Alex Burnett's goal is to pitch in the big leagues.

The difference is, he already knows what it tastes like. Sort of.

While in high school, Burnett started for Ocean View High School in the California Division III championship game in Angels Stadium in Anaheim.

“It was amazing,” he said. “We won it in 2001 and we came back in 2005 and won it again. I pitched the whole game. It was awesome.”

The fact that Burnett is a lifelong Angels' fan made it even better.

“Playing in Angels Stadium - it was awesome.”

Burnett has pitched in some big games for the Beloit Snappers, but nothing compared to the state championship game. At least not yet. Before the biggest game of his career, he was a whirlwind of emotions.

“I was nervous and excited at the same time,” he said. “I was just trying to keep focused. If we won or lost we were still going to be happy because we had a chance to play in such a big stadium in front of a bunch of fans.”

After that dream came true, the Minnesota Twins helped with another when they drafted him in the 12th round of the 2005 draft.

“I didn't like school so when I got drafted in the top 15 (rounds), I was pretty excited,” he joked. “I knew right away I was going to do that instead of going to school.”

“I was just happy to be in the draft,” he added. “I wanted to play pro ball since I started playing. I was really excited.”

After the way the 2007 season has gone for Burnett, he should be pretty excited. Before the season, he was named the 27th best prospect in the Twins' system according to Baseball America. After this season, he should shoot up the charts with a team high 151 innings pitched and an ERA of 2.98. Armed with a 94 mph fastball and a solid curveball, Burnett has struck out 114 hitters this season while only allowing 36 walks.

“It's going really good,” Burnett said of his season. “I've set some goals for myself - stay under 3.00 ERA and that's where I'm at right now. I work on just five games at a time and taking it from there.”

There was a period when Burnett's ERA rose about 3.00, but that was due more to a line drive screaming off his shin than anything. On July 27, Burnett took a shot off his leg against South Bend and struggled for his next few starts. However, he is close to 100 percent now and ready for a playoff run.

The improvements for the six foot right hander have been vast this season as he has shown flashes of utter dominance at times. He has started to become more of a pitcher now instead of a just a thrower.

“I started having better pitch selection and using my pitches a lot better,” Burnett said. “My curveball has gotten a lot better and my command and throwing my pitches for strikes has really helped me out.”

In its analysis of Burnett, Baseball America quoted a scout that saw some Roy Oswalt, the ace for the Houston Astros, in Burnett. A smile crossed his face when compared to such an established major leaguer.

“That's awesome when you get compared to good pitchers like that,” he said. “Our pitching coach (Steve Mintz) says I remind him of Juan Rincon, so it's nice to hear that.”

Burnett had a little added incentive to pitch well this season since his family has moved to Beloit for the summer and attends every game.

“They live right down the road (from the stadium),” said Burnett. “I love it. I get to see my baby sister all the time. It's awesome.”

With less than two weeks remaining in the regular season, Burnett has set some simple goals for himself.

“Just to finish strong and get that championship here and do the best I can to help the team get there,” he said.

“Winning a championship in minor leagues or major leagues is really hard to do. If you get it, it's something to treasure.”

If the Snappers can win the MWL crown, it's almost a guarantee Burnett will have had something to do with it.

He has been there before, you know.