Burkett back in groove with strong spring
By MICHAEL A. LUTZ
Associated Press
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - There is a good reason Texas Rangers right-hander John Burkett was so eager to get to spring training this year. He had a lot of atoning to do.
After being given a multiyear contract early in the season as a reward for his consistency and dependability, Burkett spent 26 days in the injured list with shoulder fatigue. He also had just nine victories, the second-lowest of his career, and he gave up the sixth-most hits (240) among AL pitchers.
"I think last year he had a little scare put into him," Rangers general manager Doug Melvin said. "One of the things about signing him long term was that he had missed one game in seven years. Fortunately, he missed only a few starts and it brought to his attention that he needed to do something.
"He's worked hard and it's paying off."
Is it ever. Bolstered by an off-season weight program, Burkett reported to spring training stronger and it's shown with a 4-0 record and 0.83 ERA. In 212/3 innings, he's allowed 15 hits with 13 strikeouts and five walks and two earned runs.
He'll be the opening day pitcher Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox.
"I just hope to do better than last year," Burkett said. "I struggled. I had a little shoulder problem so they had me do an upper body routine. I've been on that since last August, so I've added strength that hopefully will get me through the season."
Burkett had a 9-12 record and 4.56 ERA last season. It was his fewest victories since going 6-8 with the San Francisco Giants in 1994, one year after he had a career best 22-7 record and 3.65 ERA.
Last year, Burkett lost three straight games before he going on the disabled list. He was 2-0 in his final three starts and got his 100th career victory on Sept. 23.
Burkett also is bringing back limited use of a forkball.
"I threw it my first three years at San Francisco, but I worked on my changeup a lot and it got better so I kind of got away from it (forkball)," Burkett said. "Plus, it kind of bothered my arm because I was throwing a lot of them."
Even with a stronger arm, Burkett won't make that mistake.
"If I threw 40 of them a game like I did, it might cause problems but I'll just maybe use it four or five times a game," he said.
Burkett plans no other changes in his repertoire.
"I'm a guy that's always been aggressive and I'm never going to change," Burkett said. "I'm going to come right after hitters and if I'm good enough I'm good enough and if I'm not they can send me home."
That's unlikely if Burkett takes his effectiveness into the regular season. He's signed through next season at $4 million per year and the Rangers have options that could extend through 2001.