Baseball

Burnett contrite, fears consequences from outburst

By wire services
Published September 28, 2005

MIAMI - Marlins pitcher A.J. Burnett apologized Tuesday for the comments that led to his banishment, and with free agency looming, his agent conceded the episode could be costly.

Manager Jack McKeon told Burnett 30 minutes before Monday's game to leave. The right-hander will be paid but won't be with the Marlins the final week of the season.

The move came after Burnett lost his sixth decision in a row Sunday, then said the Marlins play scared because McKeon and his staff are too negative.

"I have always been a very passionate player and person," Burnett said in a statement released by agent Darek Braunecker . "I often wear my emotions on my sleeve, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. I hope that my teammates always respect that of me, as I trust they know my commitment to winning.

"For those I've offended, I offer my most sincere apologies."

Burnett's contract expires this week, and general manager Larry Beinfest said the Marlins won't attempt to re-sign him. That was unlikely anyway, given Florida's financial constraints and the market for Burnett.

He might be the top pitcher available, or perhaps not given his recent skid and outburst.

"He made a decision that's probably a bad decision, and he's feeling the repercussions of making the statement when he did," Braunecker said.

BRAVES: Rookie right-hander Blaine Boyer , who has played an important role in the bullpen, got a bit of good news on his ailing shoulder. An MRI exam confirmed the shoulder was merely inflamed, and his status is day to day.

CARDINALS: Rightfielder Larry Walker returned to the lineup five days after receiving a fourth cortisone shot for a herniated disc in his neck. The injection was timed to allow Walker, 38, to play a few games before the postseason.

GIANTS: With the team still alive in the NL West race, ace Jason Schmidt will start against the first-place Padres tonight. The right-hander hasn't pitched since tweaking a groin injury against the Dodgers on Sept.17.

[Last modified September 28, 2005, 02:30:38]