Could Adding Billy Burns to the Lineup Give the Offense a Jolt?
By Jason Burke
September 6, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics pinch-runner Billy Burns (19) is congratulated for scoring on a two-RBI double by right fielder Josh Reddick (16, not pictured) during the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics defeated the Astros 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Billy Burns is a speedster, enjoying his first real time in the majors. In his stint with the Athletics he has been used primarily as a pinch-runner in key situations. The offense has been struggling, however, as evidenced by Josh Donaldson grounding into a double play with Burns on first in Thursday’s series finale against the White Sox. Adding Billy Burns into the lineup could get him more opportunities to steal bases, and produce runs.
This may sound a little off, but let’s look at it from this perspective: Billy Burns’ speed can ignite the offense. Burns can’t be much worse than how the rest of the offense has performed. Sam Fuld would likely be left on the bench, and he has a good amount of speed as well. So what would the Athletics actually be missing?
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In five plate appearances, Burns has yet to collect a hit. The one game he started was against Dallas Keuchel, the tough lefty that nobody on the A’s seems to hit.
In Double-A, Burns hit .250, with a .333 on-base percentage. In Triple-A, Burns hit just .193 with a .254 OBP. These numbers aren’t much to get excited about, but neither is the A’s offense as a whole. Perhaps all they need is that spark from the minor leaguer.
Someone has to provide that spark, why not Burns? Sam Fuld is hitting .148 in September, scoring three runs. In zero at-bats, and four games played, Burns has scored twice, or half of the time.
With the A’s set to start a three-game set against Seattle over the weekend, the opportunity for Billy Burns is now. Safeco Field is vast. A ball in the gap could land Burns at third, or possibly home.
I get that Bob Melvin wants to focus on winning games, and has been playing the match-ups accordingly. Obviously that hasn’t been working. The A’s have played in seven one-run games this month so far, compiling a 1-6 record in those contests. It’s time to try something different. Billy Burns is a spark plug, and could be the difference between a 1-0 loss and a 2-1 win.
Really, what’s the worst than can happen from trying something unconventional? The A’s are clinging to a Wild Card berth at the moment. They need to not only start winning, but get on a little bit of a roll before postseason baseball begins. Giving Burns an opportunity isn’t going to hurt the team, and they would still have a speed option on the bench in Sam Fuld.
It’s time to give the speedster a look, if not to try and salvage this season, then at least to see what he can do for next year.