Sean Richard Burnett (born September 17, 1982 in ) is a pitcher from Wellington High School in Wellington, Florida. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round in 2000, and has stayed with that team since then.
Known for his change-up, remarkable control and presence, a low-90s fastball. While he's not overpowering, his off-speed pitches generate an incredible amount of weak groundballs and pop outs. Very few home runs. Pirate Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2001 and 2002, and 2002 Carolina League Pitcher of the Year. Baseball America named him the Carolina League's #1 prospect, and the Pirates #2 prospect. Baseball America after 2002: “Burnett was anointed as the Hillcats' ace--and he rarely disappointed. A lefthander with a 91 mph fastball and the league's best changeup, he did his part to help create a winning attitude on the field. Batters found it difficult to drive the ball in the air against him because he pitches down in the strike zone.” His velocity improved in 2002, hitting 93mph. His changeup is his best pitch, he also has a good slider. Knowles: “He needs to improve his breaking ball, he makes a lot of mistakes with it, but he throws enough strikes with his other pitches that he gets by with it.”
2003: Very good at Altoona Curve (AA). His ERA rose slightly (still fifth best in the league) and Ks, which were never too high, also went down. Still, very advanced for such a young pitcher. Named EL All-Star, Baseball America's Eastern League Best Pitching Prospect, and the Altoona MVP. Sveum: “A mature, poised kid, who pitches beyond his years. He needs more command of his breaking ball, and he could pitch inside a little more.” Baseball America's #12 EL prospect after the season. BA: “Consistent through most of 2003, thanks to his feel for his craft and a darting fastball that makes up for what it lacks in velocity with good life. He also battles hitters with a variety of sliders and a deceptive changeup. ‘He knows how to pitch, that guy will come right at you. He'll paint the black. He's one of those guys you love to hate,’ a manager said. He was shut down late in the season with elbow soreness.”
2004: So-so at Nashville (AAA), Pirate spot-start in May, called up in June. Great for a few starts, then terrible for a few, then out. Tommy John surgery.
2005: Out on disabled list all year.
2006: Allowed to battle for a spot in the Pirate rotation, the organization clearly was concerned that they not rush him, and he went to Indianapolis (AAA).
2007: Spent the entire year at Indianapolis (AAA)
2008: February 1, 2008 - Designed for assigment to make room on the active roster for Ray Olemdo. http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080201&content_id=2362018&vkey=news_pit&fext=.jsp&c_id=pit
