Can Billy Burns be a Game-Changer?
One of the most legendary Oakland Athletics, without question is Rickey Henderson.
Rickey is one of the top-20 greatest players of all-time.
In terms of Wins Above Replacement players (WAR), Rickey ranks 17th, according to FanGraphs.com. Of all-time left fielders, Rickey sits at 5th.
His penchant for getting on base, stealing second and third base, and eventually scoring is like no other player in history.
Why did I just provide a brief history lesson on the man of Steal?
In one of Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane’s most under-appreciated trades, outfielder Billy Burns was acquired for fan-favorite lefty reliever Jerry Blevins.
Burns has a few things in common with Rickey.
Like Rickey, Burns has blazing speed and a knack for getting on base.
I’m not insinuating that Burns will end up as a hall-of-famer with top-20 player credentials when he is done playing baseball. But under Rickey’s tutelage, I am saying Billy Burns has the tools that can be a game-changer for the 2015 Oakland Athletics and beyond.
That, of course, is dependent upon two things.
- Burns has a good spring and proves he can be ready by opening day, or least only need a short amount of time at triple-A.
- Coco Crisp’s chronic neck injury keeps him off the field for prolonged periods of time.
How can Burns contribute?
I am not a scout, so I will let one speak for me. Former Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners scout, Bernie Pleskoff wrote this back in April:
"“On his way to hitting a combined .314 last year, Burns stole 74 bases while being caught stealing only seven times. Adding insult to injury for opposing pitchers, he walked 71 times. Burns had an on-base percentage of .423. Speed is Burns’ best tool. However, he makes extremely good contact at the plate, striking out only 53 times last season in 535 plate appearances. Burns is a good hitter for average. When I scouted Burns this spring, he made things happen. He showed a very good knowledge of the strike zone and excellent patience at the plate. Burns had simple, uncomplicated mechanics. I did not see any semblance of power. That’s not his game. Burns’ career will be based upon ‘getting on, getting over and getting in.’ Burns is exciting to watch. He is well aware that keeping the ball on the ground gives him the best chance for success. Infielders must rush to throw Burns out, and that often forces errors. His ability to bunt for a base hit is a great asset.”"