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Article: Picking up speed: A.J. Burnett emerging as Marlins ace: Florida's hard-throwing right-hander looks to join the ranks of the major leagues' elite moundsmen.
- Article from:
- Baseball Digest
- Article date:
- June 1, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Century Publishing Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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TWENTY BUCKS SAYS A.J. Burnett doesn't throw the perfect pitch, does, depending on whose side you take--his or Brad Penny's. It was late January--weeks before pitchers were to report to spring training--and the two Marlins were working their arms into shape at Pro Player Stadium. Penny was off to the side, waiting his turn, when Burnett set the stakes for his final pitch of the session.
"Twenty bucks says I don't miss the mitt," Burnett challenged.
"It can't move, not even an inch," Penny replied.
The catcher positioned his glove at knee-high level for the imaginary hitter. Burnett wound his 6-5, 230-pound frame and delivered. But before the ...