After dismantling their World Series squad, the Florida Marlins tried to atone for this shame by amassing a stockpile of young arms, including A.J. Burnett. The Arkansas native's impressive build (6'5" and 205 lbs.) and stuff made him a top Mets prospect before the Marlins acquired him in the Al Leiter deal.
Burnett's Gen-X body piercings and musical taste have largely overshadowed his major-league performance through 2001. Injuries and inconsistency have hampered the 25-year-old righty's progress. He has pitched some gems, though -- including a no-hitter on May 12, 2001. The nine batters he walked were a record for a nine-inning no-hitter. If he hadn't been so wild, said teammates, he probably wouldn't have held the Padres hitless.
Also by Rory Costello
» Dave Magadan
» Calvin Pickering
» Midre Cummings
» Turk Wendell
» Alfonso Gerard
» More submissions
Posted January 2, 2002.
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