Answer quickly: who has been the Athletics most valuable player so far this season? Sure, Stephen Vogt is an acceptable answer, but has anyone considered Billy Burns?
In 62 games this season, Burns is batting .306/.342/.403, with two home runs and 17 stolen bases. Perhaps more impressive, his average is tied for eighth in the American League, and he trails only the unstoppable Jose Altuve in swiped bags. He’s also tied for seventh in triples, and has grounded into just three double plays all season.
Burns is having a spectacular rookie season, and he isn’t getting the recognition he deserves because the Oakland Athletics aren’t winning. But even A’s fans don’t seem outraged that he didn’t earn the slightest bit of consideration for an appearance in Tuesday’s All-Star Game.
Burns, who has done an excellent job in the outfield for the A’s this season, deserved consideration both because of his defense and his offense. He covers so much ground that almost nothing is able to drop into center field, and he’s made plenty of great catches this season. There aren’t many speedy outfielders who also hit for average and swipe bags on a routine basis, especially in the American League.
Burns isn’t just dropping a few well-placed singles into the holes in the outfield. He has 17 infield hits this season, as well as five triples and 10 doubles. Those are impressive numbers for someone not known for his power or offensive prowess. One of the biggest concerns when he was called up was whether or not he would have the ability to hit well enough to get on base and make good use of his speed.
Burns has disproved everyone who doubted his ability, but he still failed to garner All-Star attention. With most of the baseball’s well-known rookies making their debut on the National League side of the game, there has even been talk that Burns might deserve votes for Rookie of the Year in the American League. And yet, he wasn’t even considered for an All-Star spot.
Whatever the reason he was overlooked may be, one thing is certain – Burns has played like an All-Star this season, and he is absolutely vital to any chance the A’s have left at a playoff spot.